Why is this important?
If health care resources are present in a community but only available to a select population
with health insurance, then there is a problem with access to care. This measure is a critical
way to determine if there is a disparity in the distribution and utilization of standard health
care resources.
What is the measure?
The distribution of public and private health insurance and the number of uninsured reflects
overall quality of health.15 In addition, hospitalization for certain health conditions,
like diabetes, asthma and congestive heart failure (fluid retention due to a weak heart, also
known as CHF), increases when people with these conditions have limited access to outpatient
clinic care.16
How are we doing?
Private insurance coverage increased in Tuolumne County for persons 18 to 64 years of age while
the number of people receiving Medi-Cal decreased. Approximately 3% fewer people were uninsured.
Fewer than half of all health care providers treat Medi-Cal patients. The decrease in Medi-Cal
coverage is probably due to stricter eligibility requirements. But, it is encouraging that the
number of uninsured people decreased.
The uninsured rate is 12.5% for the overall population under 65 years of age. Approximately
20% of the Tuolumne County population is without insurance coverage for at least a portion of
each year.
Hospitalizations for CHF (congestive heart failure) are decreasing steadily. However, hospitalizations
for diabetes are increasing - possibly due to increasing incidence of the disease. Asthma hospitalizations
in Tuolumne County are below the state average, but hospitalizations for diabetes and CHF are
above average compared to the rest of California. This suggests room for improved access to
outpatient care.
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