"I have a rare lung disease that tends to afflict minority women over thirty. Even though I'm a non-smoker, I was to the point where I'd be on oxygen
today had PROJECT ACCESS not helped me find doctors."
--Nikki, small business owner unable to afford health insurance

Why people are uninsured

• Rapidly escalating health care costs
• Lack of affordable health insurance
• Not all jobs offer health benefits
• They are unemployed and cannot afford COBRA
• Not eligible for Medicaid
• Self-employed - unable to afford premiums
• Poor health and uninsurable

Impact

• Being uninsured adversely affects health
• The number of uninsured places a huge burden on our health care system due to uncompensated care
• Every Oklahoman with health insurance coverage pays an additional $1,781/year to help cover the uninsured. (OSDH, 2006 State of the State Health)
• Small health conditions are often ignored until they become serious. When treatment is finally sought, it is often through emergency room services
• Primary care delivered through the emergency room is the most expensive type of care for non-emergency room needs, estimated to be at 6 times a physician's office visit

Consequences of being uninsured

• Uninsured often do not receive health care when needed
• Delaying or not receiving treatment can lead to more serious and avoidable illness and chronic health problems
• Uninsured are more likely to be hospitalized for conditions that could have been avoided
• Death rates for uninsured women with breast cancer are significantly higher compared to women with health insurance

Health Condition of the State of Oklahoma

• Oklahoma is the only state where age-adjusted death rates became worse through the 1990"s and into this century
• Oklahoma has a higher percent of poverty than the nation
• Oklahoma has a higher percentage of citizens without access to health care
• Oklahoma has a lower priority for clinical prevention and public health

(2005 State of the State's Health Report)

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