• Aetna
• Assurant
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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• GoldenRule
• HumanaOne

• Supplemental Medigap Insurance
• Medicare Advantage Insurance
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield

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• Central Reserve
• Continental
• SecureHorizons by UnitedHealthcare
• Universal American
• WellCare

Information on Kansas' Uninsured Population

Many uninsured Kansans do not receive the health care that they need. This is born out by a nationwide health survey that shows that the uninsured are much more likely to report problems getting necessary medical care than the insured. Some uninsured Kansans obtain charity care through private physicians or at hospitals, while others receive care at safety net clinics.

However, the patchwork of services available to uninsured Kansans has some notable deficiencies. For example, some safety net clinics provide mental health services or dental care, but most other specialty care services are typically not provided. Safety net clinics also report that the demand for their services often exceeds their capacity.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that uninsured patients use emergency rooms because of a lack of access to primary care. However, the uninsured are not a leading cause of emergency room crowding.

The health of uninsured Kansans would likely be improved if they could obtain adequate health insurance. Studies have found a strong link between health insurance status and specific health conditions such as high blood pressure. Health insurance has also been found to improve the health status of vulnerable groups such as infants and children.

Uninsured Kansans can also face financial hardship due to medical bills. The nationwide survey referenced earlier indicates that uninsured adults are more likely than insured adults to use their savings to pay medical bills. They are also more likely to report that medical bills make it difficult to pay for basic necessities.

To provide a better understanding of the population that is vulnerable to the health and financial consequences of being uninsured, the remainder of this report describes the demographic characteristics of uninsured Kansans.