Having private health insurance obviously also improves access to needed care at the right time if no other form of health coverage is available and “safety-net” providers (who provide services irrespective of ability to pay) are in the minority. In the United States, there is evidence suggesting that uninsured individuals wait to receive treatment until they need emergency care – for which hospitals are under an obligation to provide services to those in need – but obtain less primary and preventative services (Docteur et al., 2003). Governmental policies promoting access to health coverage for the uninsured can improve access to timely care for these population groups
