A growing body of research demonstrates going uninsured increases the risk of death, according to a meta-analysis published by Annals of Internal Medicine.
The study builds on the findings of a 2002 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine — now the National Academy of Medicine — that found 18,000 people die annually from lack of health insurance. The updated study includes findings from several studies completed since 2002, including a randomized controlled trial researching the effects of insurance on health outcomes, the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment.
The researchers' findings are consistent with the IOM's 2002 findings that the lack of health insurance increases mortality. Their analysis of recent studies indicates having health insurance can decrease the odds of dying by anywhere from 3 percent to 29 percent. Health insurance is particularly useful in reducing death rates for hypertension, breast cancer and major trauma, according to the study.
These findings are particularly relevant as Congress considers healthcare bills that could increase the number of uninsured Americans by about 22 million over the next decade.
Read the full study here.
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