February 9, 2006
Contact: Bev Pfeifer-Harms
Director of Communications
314.345.5500 office

MFH Report Shows Consequences Of Lack Of Health Insurance

Uninsured live sicker, die younger; employers lose productivity

St. Louis -The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) today published the first in a series of reports under its 2006 Cover Missouri Project. The first report, entitled "Consequences of the Lack of Health Insurance on Health and Earnings," provides an in-depth look at the serious health and financial consequences associated with being uninsured. The report also focuses on the importance of health insurance as it relates to people's access to care, use of services and ultimate health outcomes. An estimated 635,000-707,000 Missourians are currently without health insurance.

Building on earlier studies on the topic, this report provides the broadest view of the health consequences faced by the uninsured, and is the most complete synthesis of the facts to date.
In line with its mission to serve the uninsured, underinsured and underserved in Missouri, MFH contracted with The Urban Institute for the research and analysis for the Cover Missouri Project. The Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research and educational organization established to examine the social, economic and governance problems facing the nation. Jack Hadley, PhD, principal research associate at the Institute, is the author of this first report.

MFH will publish a total of 13 reports in 2006 under its Cover Missouri Project, each one focusing on a specific health insurance issue that affects the uninsured both in Missouri and nationally. Those issues include: high-risk pools, barriers in rural areas and small towns, the cost of the uninsured, options for small employers, and rising costs, spending growth and state program options under Medicaid.

Highlights from "Consequences of the Lack of Health Insurance on Health and Earnings" reveal that the uninsured:
-Are more likely to die from a heart attack or breast cancer, as well as other diseases;
-Enter the health care system in poorer health, since they tend to postpone seeking medical care because of cost and lack of access to preventative screenings; and,
-Receive less care for serious illnesses because they cannot afford surgery, follow-up visits, prescriptions or other treatment.

"The cost consequences of being uninsured cannot be ignored," said Dr. James R. Kimmey, president and CEO of MFH. "People die younger and live sicker. Employers lose significant productivity because of reduced efficiency or increased absences by sick workers. The uninsured often are forced to use the hospital emergency room as their 'doctor', which drives up health care costs even further."

The Cover Missouri Project Report 1, "Consequences of the Lack of Health Insurance on Health and Earnings," is available online at http://www.mffh.org/policy-publications.html. Hard copies are also available by request at tbates@mffh.org.

Established in 2000, MFH is the largest non-governmental funder of community health activities in the state. The Foundation is in its fourth year of grantmaking, having issued more than $156 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to filling the gaps for the uninsured, underinsured and underserved in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. For more information about MFH or its health policy studies, visit www.mffh.org.

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