Report: Almost 20 percent of Americans lacked health coverage in 2009

More than 58 million Americans — or 19.4 percent of the country — were without health insurance during some part of last year, according to a report released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The figure, based on preliminary data from the 2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), marks a jump above 2008, when 18.7 percent of Americans were without coverage at some point in the year. 

Among the other highlights of the CDC survey, in 2009: 

— 46.3 million Americans (or 15.4 percent) were uninsured at the time of survey; 

— 32.8 million (10.9 percent) had been uninsured for more than a year at the time of the survey;

— Among states, Massachusetts had the lowest uninsured rate (3.7 percent), while Texas ranked highest (24.6 percent).

The numbers, based on an analysis of more than 88,000 people, will be updated quarterly.