Focusing on South Carolina
June 2009
Focus:
The Impact of the Recession on
Health
Care Coverage
SC Statistics:
- As a result of the escalating cost of health care and the current recession-driven increase in unemployment, the numbers of uninsured and underinsured Americans and South Carolinians have reached historic levels.
- The actual impact of the current economic downturn on the loss of health care coverage caused by unemployment is not yet fully documented because the most recent survey information is from 2007.
- South Carolina currently has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country, and it is likely our state has one of the largest proportions of uninsured.
- According to an analysis of national data, in the 1990’s there were eight states with a fifth or more of the working age population uninsured; by the mid-2000’s there were 14, including South Carolina.
Why is this a public health priority?
People who lose their health insurance typically cut back on preventative and maintenance care, only seeking medical care in times of emergency. This results in a higher cost of care and a strain on emergency rooms and other urgent care providers. The personal strain on individuals and their families is considerable as well. In periods of unemployment, stress can exacerbate existing health conditions and lead to other related concerns. In South Carolina, where chronic health conditions are widespread and access to health care is already limited, the loss of health care coverage can only make matters worse.
What is the role of SCPHI in addressing this priority?
Understanding the scope of this problem is critical. As such, SCPHI is preparing a report on the uninsured and underinsured in South Carolina. That report—to be released later this summer—will summarize the existing data and provide an analysis of what information is needed in order to understand and address the challenges for our state’s population in regard to health care coverage.
Who are SCPHI’s key partners in this effort?
Office of Research and Statistics
