The uninsured face significant barriers to getting the care that they need. They are less likely to seek care early and are less likely to get the screening for cancer or chronic conditions, which leads to an increased risk of dying from disease because it is found at a later stage. They are more likely to describe their health status as poor or fair. Their health, in turn, has an impact on the rest of their life – leading to decreased ability to work due to illness, financial strain from medical bills and prescription costs, and depression.

Based on The Coverage Gap: A State-by-State Report on Access to Care (2002), in Michigan…

• 43% of uninsured adults are unable to see a doctor when needed, compared to 8% of insured adults
• 45% of uninsured adults have no personal doctor or health care provider compared to 13% of insured adults
• 50% of uninsured women 40-64 have not had a mammogram in the past 2 years compared to 19% of insured women