It’s widely accepted that the number of Americans without health care coverage is creeping toward the 50 million mark. But what are the characteristics that define the nation’s uninsured?

The Deloitte survey of the attitudes, behaviors and unmeet needs of the U.S. health care consumer found differences in many areas between the insured and uninsured, but also a common ground in what they want and need. Affordability is an issue, but both perceive quality differences, want more information and are looking for access to online tool.

Among the survey’s findings:

Snapshot of the Uninsured

• 12 percent of those surveyed said they do not own health insurance of any kind
• 26 percent of that group are under the age of 30
• 68 percent are between the ages of 30 and 64
• 6 percent of the 65+ population reports being uninsured 
• 56 percent of the uninsured are women
• A disproportionately high percentage of African Americans say they are without insurance (22 percent)
• Hispanics are uninsured at a rate of 17 percent; 11 percent of Asian Americans and 10 percent of Caucasians report being without coverage

Insured vs. Uninsured

• More of the uninsured chose not to see a doctor when were sick or hurt (53 percent to 46 percent) percent of insured
• Fewer of the uninsured (28 percent) report currently undergoing treatment or participating in a program to help them manage a chronic condition; 37 percent of the insured are undergoing such treatment
• 21 percent of the uninsured, vs. 16 percent of the insured, believe their overall health is below average for people in their age group
• Similar percentages of the uninsured (24 percent) and insured (21 percent) believe the effort they make to maintain or improve their general health is below average
• More of the uninsured (13 percent) than the insured (8 percent) have substituted an alternative or natural therapy for a prescription medication
• Fewer of the uninsured have traveled outside their community for care compared to the insured (8 percent vs. 12 percent, respectively)
• More of the uninsured have traveled outside the U.S. for care (5 percent vs. 3 percent, respectively)
• Similar percentages have used a retail clinic (17 percent of the uninsured and 16 percent of the insured report doing so)

The Uninsured and Public Policy

• 63 percent of consumers say they would (29 percent) or might (34 percent) favor increasing taxes to help provide coverage the uninsured
• 36 percent support state mandates requiring individuals to have health insurance; 30 percent said they might support mandates

Related Content:
Survey: 2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers
Fact Sheet Library: Health Care Consumerism
Resources: Uninsured
Overview: Center for Health Solutions