Challenges for People Without Health Insurance

Alina Joseph, 9/11/24

Living without health insurance in the U.S. brings many important difficulties for millions of people. These challenges include limited access to healthcare, overwhelming medical costs, and a greater risk of poor health. The problems of being uninsured are intense and varied, impacting individuals’ health, finances, and overall quality of life. 

One of the most significant challenges for uninsured individuals is the inability to access regular healthcare. Many people without insurance avoid seeking medical help due to the high costs associated with care. This avoidance often leads to missed preventive care, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. For instance, a 2019 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation highlighted that uninsured adults are far more likely than those with insurance to postpone or forgo healthcare altogether due to costs (KFF). This lack of preventive care can lead to the progression of minor health issues into serious conditions that require more intensive and expensive treatment. An example is the case of Julie*, a 36-year-old mother from Texas, who avoided going to the doctor early for persistent stomach pain due to her inability to afford medical visits. When she finally sought help, she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, a condition that could have been managed more effectively if detected earlier. 

Without insurance, medical costs can quickly become unmanageable. Even a short hospital stay or a single medical procedure can result in significant debt. Medical expenses are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S. CNBC reports that two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy cite medical issues as a key contributor to their financial downfall (CNBC). For example, in 2020, a man named Robert*, who had no health insurance faced a $30,000 bill after an unexpected heart attack. Unable to pay, he was forced to declare bankruptcy, which further heightened his financial stress. This situation is not unique; many uninsured individuals are trapped in a cycle of accruing medical debt and deteriorating health. 

People without health insurance often suffer worse health outcomes compared to those with coverage. Research from the Urban Institute notes that uninsured non-elderly adults are more likely to have worse health outcomes than those with coverage, with one in five reporting they are in fair or poor health (Urban Institute). Uninsured individuals are less likely to receive appropriate and timely care, leading to a decline in overall health. This disparity can contribute to a lower quality of life and higher mortality rates. For instance, in a recent news story, 50-year-old David*, who lacked health insurance, was found to have untreated diabetes complications that led to severe vision loss. Had he received regular care, his condition might have been managed more effectively, preventing such draining outcomes.

 Living without health insurance creates a cycle of poor health and financial hardship. The barriers to accessing necessary medical care often result in worsened health conditions, which, in turn, lead to higher medical costs and financial strain. This situation underscores the urgent need for expanding access to affordable healthcare. By increasing availability and affordability, it is possible to break this cycle, improving both the health and financial well-being of uninsured individuals. 

Addressing the challenges faced by the uninsured requires comprehensive policy solutions and more support for healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing the number of individuals without coverage. Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare can prevent many of the hardships described and contribute to a healthier, more equal society. 

* = Fake name used to protect patients privacy.

References

Kaiser Family Foundation. “Key Facts about the Uninsured Population.” KFF, 2020, 

https://www.kff.org/uninsured/issue-brief/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/

Dickler, Jessica. “This Is the Real Reason Most Americans File for Bankruptcy.” CNBC, 11 Feb. 2019, 

www.cnbc.com/2019/02/11/this-is-the-real-reason-most-americans-file-for-bankruptcy.html 

Urban Institute. “Going Without Health Insurance.” Urban Institute, 2020, 

www.urban.org/research/publication/going-without-health-insurance