Study: Millions of uninsured with chronic conditions not getting needed services

A new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that millions of uninsured Americans with chronic disease are not getting adequate treatment (Source: “Millions With Chronic Disease Get Little to No Treatment,” New York Times, Aug. 5, 2008).

Using government health survey of adults ages 18 to 64, the study estimates that in 2004 (the most recent year for which data is available) about 11 million of the 36 million adults without insurance were diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Most of the uninsured with chronic diseases, the study found, forgo doctor's visits and instead rely solely on emergency room visits for care.

By most estimates, in the last four year the number of uninsured has increased to about 47 million, which would translate to about 16 million uninsured individuals with chronic conditions, if the proportions cited in the study remained the same.

The authors of the report also point out that their estimates may be low because they only counted those with chronic conditions that were diagnosed by a doctor.