Upstate New Yorkers are much less likely to have health insurance if they're young, single, don't make a lot of money, didn't go far in school, are unemployed, or belong to a racial or ethic minority.

That is what a study of 2008-10 Census figures revealed to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in a study of upstate people aged 18 to 64 and rates of health insurance.

Those in households making $50,000 or less a year, while taking in 37 percent of all income in the state, include 57 percent of upstate's uninsured.

“We know from earlier studies that upstate New York’s uninsured rate is considerably lower than national and state rates, but having a better understanding of who are the uninsured in our communities can be helpful in spotting opportunities to enhance access to coverage,” said Dr. Arthur Vercillo, regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Nearly 20 percent of those 35 years old and younger were not insured.

Vercillo said the report, which reflects national patterns, "calls attention to population groups that are most at risk for lacking health insurance coverage. It shows that groups which include minorities, the young, the single and the socioeconomically disadvantaged are at highest risk.”

A previously published Excellus BlueCross BlueShield study of all upstate New York residents found that upstate New York has a low uninsured rate (11.1 percent for 2008 through 2010), compared to statewide (14.6 percent) and national (16.1 percent) averages. The new report exclusively focuses on upstate New York’s uninsured 18- to 64-year-olds.

To see the full report, go to excellusbcbs.com, select “News & Information” at the bottom of the page and then choose “Fact Sheets, Surveys & Reports.”