CDC Releases Study On Adults Seeking Care

Nearly one in five adults failed to receive health-related services in 2005 because they could not afford them, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The report, titled "Health, United States, 2007," is an in-depth analysis of information collected by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.

The study found more than 40 million people in 2005 neglected to receive or seek medical care, prescription medicines, mental health care, dental care, or eyeglasses.

“The fact that costs related to health care can be unmanageable is no surprise to micro-businesses,” said Kristie Darien, executive director of the NASE’s legislative office. “Nearly three in five micro-business owners have had to go without needed medical care as a result of being uninsured.”

The report also found the following:

• Young adults 18-24 years of age were more likely than children or older adults to lack a usual source of care and to be uninsured.

• One in 10 adults ages 45-64 years did not have a usual source of health care, and more than 5 percent of adults in this age group who had diagnosed high blood pressure, serious heart conditions, or diabetes reported not having a regular source of medical care.

• In 2005, one out of five people under the age of 65 reported being uninsured for at least part of the 12 months prior to being interviewed. The majority of this group reported being uninsured for more than 12 months.

• One in 10 women aged 45-64 years with income below the poverty level reported delaying medical care due to lack of transportation.

• About one-third of all children living below the poverty level did not have a recent dental visit in 2005, compared with less than one-fifth of children with higher income.