The Uninsured in California

More than six million Californians are uninsured, out of 35 million. These are families that work hard, play by the rules, and pay their taxes, yet don't get basic health coverage.

• More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families – they are either a worker themselves, or the dependent of a worker.   
• Being uninsured is not a choice. More than 85% of the uninsured are either not offered or not eligible for health insurance from their employer. (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research)
• Nearly 90% of the uninsured are in low income or moderate income families, making less than $34,300 for an individual or $70,000 for a family of four. (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research)
• Insurance is expensive. Buying health insurance as an individual is often not an option since premiums can cost $4,000 for an individual and $11,000 for a family.(California HealthCare Foundation and Kaiser Family Foundation)
• Coverage is often denied to individuals because of “pre-existing conditions” -- from bunions to ear infections as well as conditions such as hay fever, asthma or serious illness like cancer or heart disease. (Families USA)

Uninsured families live sicker and die younger.

• The uninsured often delay or avoid getting needed care, including screenings and preventive care, ongoing treatments for chronic conditions, and emergency care, resulting in severe health impacts. (American College of Physicians)
• The uninsured are more likely to die prematurely than insured patients with similar problems, for every type of ailment or problem, from emergency trauma to cancer. (Institute of Medicine)

Uninsured families are one healthcare crisis away from financial ruin.