Consequences of uninsurance in Wisconsin.

Background: More than 9% of Wisconsin residents are without health insurance. Several states have passed legislation to increase access to health care and move toward universal coverage. Wisconsin legislators are also considering health care reform proposals that present alternatives to the current system.

Objective: To describe experiences and concerns of individuals who are uninsured as compared to individuals with health insurance. The purpose is to contribute to the current policy debate on health care reform in Wisconsin.

Methods: Participants in this qualitative study were selected from a set of individuals in west-central Wisconsin who completed a health care survey (n = 222) and gave consent to be contacted for an interview. The interviews were conducted in the spring of 2008; the sample (n = 18) includes equal numbers of individuals with and without health insurance.

Results: Regardless of insurance status, participants in this study reported worries about affordability, access to health care, and the influence that health insurance coverage has on their choices in life. Participants agreed that all citizens have a right to health care and favor health care reform to make that right a reality.

Conclusion: Wisconsin residents, both insured and uninsured, experience worries and uncertainties about health care access and affordability. These qualitative findings provide evidence of public support for health care reform.