Richmond Enhancing Access To Community Healthcare

Who are America's uninsured?

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More than 45 million Americans are uninsured.

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About 8.5 million US children do not have health insurance.

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Most uninsured adults (71%) have at least a high school diploma

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More than one-third have some college education or are college graduates

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Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately uninsured, even when adjusting for income level (Hispanic, Asian and American-Indian individuals are at greatest risk for being uninsured.)

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Nearly 30% of workers in small businesses (fewer than 25 employees) have no health coverage.

Why are so many Americans uninsured?

•	Employer-based health insurance is often unaffordable or unavailable. Small employers and service and labor jobs are less likely to provide health insurance due to high insurance premium costs. Insurance premiums tend to be higher for low-wage workers than higher-paid workers; many low-wage workers have a hard time affording premiums even if benefits are offered.
•	Buying “private” insurance is expensive. In 2003, a standard insurance policy for a family of four cost approximately $756/month ($9,027 annually).
•	Public health insurance programs leave many people uncovered. Virginia’s public health insurance programs are available to limited populations meeting specific criteria: pregnant women under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL); children in households under 200% of the FPL ($37,000 for a family of 4); and, poor aged, blind or disabled persons.

What about the uninsured living in Central Virginia?

•	One in eight metropolitan Richmond residents (about 103,000 people) do not have health insurance.

What are the consequences of lack of healthcare access for the uninsured?

•	Half of personal bankruptcies are the result of large medical bills.
•	Uninsured individuals receive less preventive care (like Pap smears); are more likely to be diagnosed at more advanced disease stages; less likely to receive needed therapeutic care (including medicine and surgery); and, have higher rates of premature death.
•	The economic vitality of our community is compromised by the poorer health, premature death, and long-term disability of uninsured workers. The large and growing uninsured population causes significant financial strain on health systems. Clinicians in areas with high rates of uninsurance report difficulties obtaining specialty referrals for all of their patients, not just those who are uninsured.
•	The cost of being uninsured is borne by all taxpayers. Public support from Federal, state and local governments accounts for 75 - 85% of the total value of uncompensated care provided to persons without health insurance each year.