What are the consequences of being uninsured or underinsured?
People who lack health insurance are far less likely to receive basic health care services, and are generally in poorer health as a result. They may delay seeking needed medical care and filling prescriptions, or have trouble paying medical bills while meeting other essential needs such as food, housing and utilities. The uninsured receive less preventive care, are diagnosed at more advanced disease stages, and once diagnosed, tend to receive less care. Babies whose mothers are low-income and uninsured are 60% more likely to die in infancy. The Institute of Medicine estimates that 18,000 Americans die unnecessarily each year due to the lack of health insurance coverage. The prospects for Congressional action: Affordable and accessible health care will be a topic of significant national attention in the coming months. However, it remains to be seen whether legislation to help significant numbers of the uninsured will become law this year. If deep cuts in Medicaid are included as part of
