Who's Leading the Leading Health Indicators? Access to Health Services
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June 2017 |
OverviewAccess to comprehensive, quality health care services is important for achieving health equity and for increasing length and quality of life for everyone.1 Regular and reliable access to health services prevents disease and disability; detects and treats illnesses or other health conditions; reduces the likelihood of premature (early) death; and increases life expectancy.2 Disparities in access to health services affect individuals and society. Limited access to health care impacts people's ability to reach their full potential, negatively affecting their quality of life.1 Population groups with a usual source of care, such as a primary care provider (PCP), have better health outcomes and fewer health care costs.1 Having both a PCP and medical insurance can prevent illness by improving access to a range of recommended preventive services across the lifespan.3 Lacking access to health services—even for just a short period—can lead to poor health outcomes over time.3 Increasing access to both routine medical care and medical insurance is a vital step in improving the health of all Americans.2 |
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Leading Health IndicatorsLeading Health Indicators (LHIs) are critical health issues that—if tackled appropriately—will dramatically reduce the leading causes of death and preventable illnesses. The Access to Health Services LHIs are:
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Where We’ve Been and Where We’re GoingOver the past decade, the rate of persons aged less than 65 years with health insurance increased 6.9%, from 83.6% in 2005 to 89.4% in 2015. In 2015, several population groups in specific demographic categories had the highest rate of health insurance coverage, including the Asian population and those with an advanced degree. Between 2004 and 2014, there was no significant change in the proportion of persons with a usual primary care provider (77.3% in 2004 and 76.4% in 2014). In 2014, several population groups in specific demographic categories had the highest rate of having a usual primary care provider, including persons of 2 or more races, those with an advanced degree, and those with public insurance. |
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Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators?Increasing Access to Health Care in Central Maryland
Founded in 1997, HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) helps people in central Maryland enroll in private and public health insurance plans and connect to health care, behavioral health services, and community resources. Each year, HCAM’s staff works with more than 145,000 uninsured and underinsured individuals, including youth in foster care, people experiencing homelessness, pregnant and postpartum women, immigrants, and those living with addiction. Essentially, they work with anyone who is uninsured or needs help navigating their benefits. |
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Leading Health Indicator Infographic |
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1 https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/Access-to-Health-Services |
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More people in the United States have access to health care today than in 2010. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of uninsured people among all age groups decreased from 16% in 2010 to 9% in 2016. During the same time period, the percentage of people among all age groups who had a usual place to go for medical care increased from 85.4% to 88.1%. People without insurance are less likely to receive care and more likely to have poor health, while people with a usual place to go for care have better health outcomes and lower health care costs.
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