An Institute of Medicine (IOM) review in 2002 concluded that lack of insurance increases mortality, but several relevant studies have since appeared. This article summarizes current evidence concerning the relationship between insurance and mortality.
Use this paper to:
- Consider whether you have seen a lack of insurance affect a patient's outcome.
- Why do you think it is difficult to study the relationship between insurance status and mortality? Use Table 2, and see what the authors say in the paper's discussion.
- In what ways might insurance reduce mortality? Are there ways in which it might increase mortality? The authors provide 2 examples in the discussion.
- What other benefits to individuals and society might result from health insurance?
- Do you think physicians should be vocal in the national debate over health insurance?
Annals of Internal Medicine is the premier internal medicine academic journal published by the American College of Physicians (ACP). It is one of the most widely cited and influential specialty medical journals in the world.