Both the uninsured and insured experience serious consequences when they don’t get medical care. In 2003, about half reported that they suffered painful temporary disability (57% uninsured, 52% insured) or loss of time at important activities (50% uninsured, 42% insured). About one-fifth suffered a long-term disability (19% uninsured, 15% insured).

Notes: No significant difference between groups for any of these measures. Insured includes those covered by public or private health insurance. *Experienced by the respondent or a member of their family.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, Access to Care for the Uninsured: An Update, September 2003, Chart 3, p. 4, at  http://www.kff.org/uninsured/4142.cfm, using unpublished data from the Kaiser 2003 Health Insurance Survey.