near poor

A segment of the US population with only enough earnings for daily needs, who do not qualify for US federal assistance programs. The near poor seldom have medical insurance

near poor

Working poor Social medicine A segment of the US population with earnings only enough for daily needs, who are not qualified for US government assistance programs; NP seldom have medical insurance and when ill, are a major burden to the health care system. See Underinsured. Cf Engel's phenomenon, 'Fourth World. ', Homelessness.