Study of Uninsured Highlights Chronic Disease Prevalence, Decreased Preventive Care

Statement

Study of Uninsured Highlights Chronic Disease Prevalence, Decreased Preventive Care

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement on a new national study on chronic disease prevalence and access to care in uninsured U.S. adults published in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The study found that approximately one in three working-age adults without insurance in the U.S. has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, yet skip doctors' visits or rely on visits to the emergency room for their medical care.

"It is extremely disturbing that millions of Americans with chronic diseases do not get the care they need because they lack health insurance. Sadly, this study offers yet another implication of allowing this health care crisis to continue unchecked. When problems like diabetes and high blood pressure are ignored, individuals are likely to face a greater risk of serious complications and even death.

"Because of programs like the Centers for Disease Control's WISEWOMAN program (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation), which provides low-income, under insured or uninsured middle-aged women with screening and knowledge to prevent cardiovascular disease, we have had some successes in addressing this problem. While not the solution to our health care crisis, for many women this program shows how prevention can make the difference between life or death and I am proud to be one of the program's champions.

"Unfortunately, the need is far greater than this program and far too few people have access to the preventive care they need, leading to pain, suffering and potentially avoidable high health care costs.

"This country deserves comprehensive health care reform that makes sure everybody has access to appropriate preventive care and that promotes healthier lifestyles through better diets, increased physical activity, and reduced smoking. And with new leadership in the White House we can, finally, begin to address the health care crisis. "

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