Many enroll only when they need care. Most of the uninsured realize that as long as safety net options exist, a lack of insurance is not a barrier to obtaining health care. The uninsured cannot afford health insurance. Almost half of uninsured Americans have household incomes at least twice the federal poverty level. The number of low-income people who lack insurance has remained relatively stable for the past few years.
Many people remain uninsured due to cultural influences.
The uninsured do not have access to care. Being uninsured is not the same as being without health care. There are more than 40 federal health-care service programs. In addition, there are state and local programs and charity and nonprofit providers. For example, Texas requires nonprofit hospitals to provide charity care equivalent to 5 percent of net revenue.