Nationally, more than 45 million Americans are uninsured; locally, 103,000 metropolitan Richmond residents do not have health insurance.

Half of personal bankruptcies are the result of health problems or large medical bills.

Uninsured individuals receive less preventive care; are less likely to receive needed therapeutic care (like medicine and surgery); and have higher rates of premature death.

The economic vitality of our community is compromised by the poorer health, premature death, and long-term disability of uninsured workers.

The cost of being uninsured is borne by all taxpayers. Annually, more than two-thirds of the total value of care provided to persons without health insurance is paid for by Federal, state and local governments.