Uninsured/Underinsured
More than one out of every seven people in the United States lacks health insurance. Age, ethnicity, gender and income level all play a role in determining whether an individual is likely to have health coverage. Young adults, racial and ethnic minorities, males, and individuals living in poverty are disproportionately represented among the uninsured.
Being uninsured has consequences for the individual and for healthcare providers. The uninsured have higher rates of unmet medical needs and are more likely to postpone receiving medical treatment. For the healthcare community, a large uninsured population presents numerous challenges. The uninsured are more likely than those with insurance to use the emergency room as a regular source of care either because they lack access to primary care or because a health problem has escalated.
Information is accessible through the links on the right regarding resources available to those who are uninsured or underinsured.