Carolinas health insurance coverage dwindling

The Carolinas are losing employer-based health insurance at a faster rate than nearly any other state in the country, according to a study released by the Washington-based Economic Policy Institute. In North Carolina, about 59% of residents under age 65 had health insurance in 2007, compared to 67% in 2000. In South Carolina, 61% of residents were covered in 2007, compared to 69% in 2000. Nationally, the health insurance that covers most Americans has declined for seven years in a row, the study found.