Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
ACCESS TO CARE
31. Population Without Health Insurance
The Healthy People 2000 goal is that "no American has a financial barrier to receiving, at a minimum, the screening, counseling, and immunization services recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force."
In 1997, fewer people (11.9%) reported not having health insurance than did in 1994 (13.4%). However, we lag behind the national average. Health insurance is not only key to accessing healthcare, it provides protection from financial ruin in the event of a catastrophic accident or illness.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Death Rates
Figure 7-1: Percent Population Without Health Insurance, 1994-1997
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
32. Health Care Costs Prohibited Care
Figure 7-2 illustrates that the cost of healthcare is a greater issue to survey respondents in 1997 than it was in 1994.
More people outside the City of Grand Junction reported that cost prohibited access to care (13.4%), while inside Grand Junction, 9.3% of respondents said cost prohibited access.
Lack of transportation, higher deductibles and/or more limits on coverage may be factors limiting access to care.
Among residents with children, 5.5% indicated that cost prevented them from seeking care for their children in the past year.
May link to . . .
- Economy
- Death Rates
Figure 7-2: Cost Prevented Physician Visit in Past Year
Source: 1997 Risk Behavior Survey
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