Health insurance coverage and mortality among the near-elderly

Health Aff (Millwood). 2004 Jul-Aug;23(4):223-33. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.23.4.223.

Abstract

Uninsured near-elderly people may be particularly at risk for adverse health outcomes. We compared mortality of a nationally representative cohort of insured and uninsured near-elderly people with stratification by race; income; and the presence of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, using propensity-score methods to adjust for numerous characteristics. Lacking health insurance was associated with substantially higher adjusted mortality among adults who were white; had low incomes; or had diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Expanding coverage to the near-elderly uninsured may greatly improve health outcomes for these groups.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage*
  • Insurance, Health*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Medically Uninsured
  • Middle Aged
  • Mortality / trends*
  • United States / epidemiology