Availability of Health Care
Most people need medical care at some time in their lives. Access to affordable, quality health
care is important to physical, social, and mental health. Health insurance helps individuals and
families access needed primary care, specialists, and emergency care, but does not ensure access
on its own-it is also necessary for providers to offer affordable care, be available to treat patients,
and be in relatively close proximity to patients.
Together, health insurance, local care options, and a usual source of care help to ensure
access to health care. Having access to care allows individuals to enter the health care
system, find care easily and locally, pay for care, and
get their health needs met.
Neighborhoods with low health insurance rates often have fewer providers, hospital beds and
emergency resources than areas with higher rates. Even the insured have more
difficulty getting care in these areas.
Nationally, many areas also lack sufficient providers to meet patient needs; as of January 2014, there were about 6,000 primary care, 3,900 mental health, and 4,800 dental federally designated "Health Professional Shortage Areas" in the US. Having a usual primary care provider is associated with a higher likelihood of appropriate care, and a usual source of care is associated with better health outcomes. In 2010, 86% of Americans had a usual source of care, but those with low incomes were less likely to than those with higher incomes, and the uninsured were twice as likely as the insured to lack a usual care source.
Cost can be a barrier to care even for those who have insurance. In 2009, 17% of people younger than 65 had premium and out of pocket costs totaling more than 10% of family income. Those with private, non-group insurance were three times as likely as those with employer-sponsored insurance to face such costs.
Nationally, many areas also lack sufficient providers to meet patient needs; as of January 2014, there were about 6,000 primary care, 3,900 mental health, and 4,800 dental federally designated "Health Professional Shortage Areas" in the US. Having a usual primary care provider is associated with a higher likelihood of appropriate care, and a usual source of care is associated with better health outcomes. In 2010, 86% of Americans had a usual source of care, but those with low incomes were less likely to than those with higher incomes, and the uninsured were twice as likely as the insured to lack a usual care source.
Cost can be a barrier to care even for those who have insurance. In 2009, 17% of people younger than 65 had premium and out of pocket costs totaling more than 10% of family income. Those with private, non-group insurance were three times as likely as those with employer-sponsored insurance to face such costs.
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