This indicator shows the percentage of adults aged 18-64 that do not have any kind of health insurance coverage.

Medical costs in the United States are extremely high, so people without health insurance may not be able to afford medical treatment or prescription drugs. They are also less likely to get routine checkups and screenings, so if they do become ill they will not seek treatment until the condition is more advanced and therefore more difficult and costly to treat. Many small businesses are unable to offer health insurance to employees due to rising health insurance premiums.

Routine checkups are integral to maintaining good health and preventive care. Regular screenings and exams that take place during routine checkups can help diagnose problems before they begin or early on when chances for treatment and cure are better. Age, current health status, family history, lifestyle choices, and other important factors determine how frequently one should have a checkup and which screenings and tests should be taken. A checkup may include, but is not limited to, cholesterol screening, blood pressure screening, breast and cervical cancer screening for women, and prostate cancer screening for men.

Health insurance for children is particularly important. To stay healthy, children require regular checkups, dental and vision care, and medical attention for illness and injury. Children with health insurance are more likely to have better health throughout their childhood and adolescence. They are more likely to receive required immunizations, fall ill less frequently, obtain necessary treatment when they do get sick, and perform better at school. Having health insurance lowers barriers to accessing care, which is likely to prevent the development of more serious illnesses. This is not only of benefit to the child but also helps lower overall family health costs.