What makes the U.S. stand out these days? Unfortunately, it’s nothing good. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the United States is the only country that reports significant portions of the population not getting the health care they need. According to a recent study, an astounding two-thirds of U.S. adults between the ages of 19 and 94 were either uninsured, underinsured, had reported a problem with a medical bill, or did not seek health care due to high costs in 2007.

The study also found:

• 39% of U.S. adults had to use their savings on growing medical bills

• 30% incurred credit card debt from medical bills

• 29% were unable to pay for basic necessities, such as food or rent, due to medical bills

• Among those with an income of less than $20,000, 50% were uninsured

• Among those with an income of $20,000-$40,000, 41% were uninsured

• Among those with an income of $40,000-$60,000, 18% were uninsured

• 14% of the adults that were insured, had inadequate coverage to cover their needs

• 28% of working-age adults had no insurance at some point during the previous year

You can find more information on the study at the Commonwealth Fund website.

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