The Uninsured

More than 74 million Americans were uninsured for all or part of 2001-2002 -- that’s nearly one-third of all Americans under age 65. In Rhode Island, more than 184,000 residents, or almost 21% of the population went without health care for some part of the last 2 years. Because the cost of health care keeps rising out of control, being uninsured can happen to any of us. And when it does happen, it means our families are more likely to either forego needed medical care, or experience severe financial hardship trying to afford it.

Fact:  78,350 Rhode Island residents were without health insurance for all of last year.¹

Fact:  Another 105,650 were without of insurance for part of the last two years.²

Fact:  14% of the uninsured Rhode Islanders are children 18 and under.³

Fact:  The uninsured have 25 percent higher mortality rates, and are more likely to die at a younger age.⁴

Fact:  After job loss, being uninsured and getting sick is the most common reason people file bankruptcy.⁵

What can we do about it?

Develop plans that work towards universal coverage

While the federal government needs to lead on this issue, states can take actions that lead to health care for everyone. Some of these include:

1. Demand greater corporate responsibility from large employers to ensure that more provide affordable family coverage.
2. Expand eligibility guidelines to cover more people in CHIP and Medicaid.
3. Set up mechanisms that helps small businesses better afford health insurance.