#3 No Health Insurance
What?
Key issues visualized by region
People who are at least 19 years old and who are not covered by either a private or public health insurance plan.
No insurance can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Policy Map. (2017-2021). Individuals <19 years and uninsured. [Data warehouse]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
People who do not have insurance are less likely to have a regular doctor. They might struggle to pay for the medical care and medicine they need. An adult might skip regular check-ups and screenings. This can result in missed opportunities for early detection and prevention of health issues in both the adult and the child. If the adult’s health issues are left untreated due to lack of insurance, it can have indirect consequences for the child’s health. For example, if a parent’s chronic condition worsens without proper treatment, they may be less able to provide care and support for the child.
When uninsured people do go to the doctor, they often get bills they cannot afford to pay. Since many uninsured people do not make a lot of money and do not have much savings, these bills can turn into a big debt. Financial strain and concerns about accessing healthcare can create stress and anxiety for both the uninsured adult and the child. Living with uncertainty about medical needs and potential costs can have negative effects on the family’s overall well-being.
Even though having insurance is important for getting medical care, just having insurance does not mean you will get the care you need. Sometimes people do not get the medical care they should, like tests for cancer, because they do not have a regular doctor. Other times, they live too far from a doctor who offers the services they need. Not having enough doctors and other medical resources can also make it harder to get care when you need it, and this can make people less healthy. For example, if there are not enough doctors, patients might have to wait a long time to get an appointment or to get treated.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
