Brief Why Health Insurance Is Important
Randall R. Bovbjerg, Jack Hadley
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Having health insurance is important for several reasons. Uninsured people receive less medical care and less timely care, they have worse health outcomes, and lack of insurance is a fiscal burden for them and their families. Moreover, the benefits of expanding coverage outweigh the costs for added services. Safety-net care from hospitals and clinics improves access to care but does not fully substitute for health insurance. These findings are supported by much research, although some cautions are appropriate in using these results.

Research Areas Health and health care
Tags Health insurance Health equity
Policy Centers Health Policy Center