Why access to health care is critical

• The uninsured are less likely to have a usual source of care outside of the Emergency Room
• The uninsured often go without screenings or preventive care and are more likely to be diagnosed with a condition that has already reached an advanced stage
• The uninsured often delay or forgo needed medical care
• The uninsured are sicker and die earlier than those who have insurance, making uninsurance the third leading cause of death for the near-elderly
• The uninsured pay more for medical care and have worse health care outcomes