People who lack a regular source of health care may not receive the proper medical services when they need them. This can lead to missed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and adverse health outcomes. People without a regular source of health care are less likely to get routine checkups and screenings. When they become ill, they generally delay seeking treatment until the condition is more advanced and therefore more difficult and costly to treat. Young children and elderly adults are most likely to have a usual source of care, whereas adults aged 18 to 64 years are the least likely. Maintaining regular contact with a health care provider is especially difficult for low-income people who are less likely to have health insurance. This often results in emergency room visits, which raises overall costs and lessens the continuity of care.

This indicator shows the percentage of adults that report having one or more persons they think of as their personal doctor or health care provider. 

Utah Health Policy Project

Jurisdictions wishing to improve health insurance coverage should first Conduct Proactive Education and Outreach, especially in communities with lower rates of coverage, and Maximize Enrollment Opportunities to ensure that as many people as possible are enrolled. In the longer term, jurisdictions should Expand Coverage options for people who are not eligible for or face barriers to current coverage options, and Provide Quality Care for Uninsured or Underinsured People, with an emphasis on improving care and reducing costs by providing primary and preventative care.

Jurisdictions can also help people afford insurance premiums, or gain coverage through their work, with policies intended to support economic opportunities for workers. This includes efforts to Raise Wages and Benefits, Build Workforce Development and Pathways, Build Wealth, and Develop Community Economic Capacity.