Over half of all adults age 55 to 65 - some 13 million adults - have arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension. Prescription drugs are particularly costly, and uninsured adults are more likely to take fewer prescription drugs due to cost. Uninsured adults have the highest proportion of out-of-pocket expenditures for health care, which may affect their decisions to seek and receive care. As a result, their conditions may become worse and more costly to treat. Lack of insurance coverage substantially increases the risk that individuals with chronic conditions will delay or not receive care. They are less likely to have a regular medical doctor and less likely to use preventive care and screening services. They are less healthy and more likely to need health care services than insured adults the same age who have chronic conditions. Adults with chronic conditions who are uninsured as they approach age 65 are a vulnerable population. Health insurance is an important determinant of access to health care.
Insurance matters for people with chronic conditions Visit profiles to view data profiles on chronic and disabling conditions and on young retirees and older workers.
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