More than one million Virginians are uninsured. 

VHCF is dedicated to helping build and strengthen Virginia's health safety net to increase access to care statewide.

Who are Virginia's Uninsured?

VHCF's Profile of the Uninsured revealed that:

	One in five Virginia adults is uninsured, as are one in 11 Virginia children.
	The vast majority of uninsured Virginians are employed, living in households in which at least one family member works full-time (70%) or part-time (12%).

What are the Consequences of Being Uninsured?

VHCF's Virginia Health Access Survey revealed that those without insurance are substantially more likely to forego needed medical care, prescriptions and dental care:

	15.9% were unable to obtain needed health care.
	27.6% were unable to obtain prescriptions due to costs.
	55.2% were unable to visit a dentist regularly.

The Institute of Medicine Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance, found that working-age Americans without health insurance are more likely to:

	Receive too little medical care and receive it too late;
	Be sicker and die sooner.

Dying for Coverage in Virginia, a 2008 report by Families USA, estimated that:

	As many as 10 working-age Virginians die each week because they lack health insurance -- most from diseases that could have been treated easily if caught early.
	Between 2000 and 2006, an estimated 3,200-plus Virginians aged 25-64 died because they did not have health insurance.

How is VHCF helping Virginia's Uninsured?

Both through grantmaking and through innovative VHCF initiatives, the Virginia Health Care Foundation plays a pivotal role in strengthening Virginia's health safety net to help make primary care available to all who need it.

	VHCF's Children's Health Insurance Initiative has played a critical role in a statewide effort to enroll eligible children in state-sponsored health insurance (FAMIS and FAMIS Plus). More than 40,000 children have been enrolled through VHCF projects.
	VHCF grants totaling more than $36.8 million have increased access to medical, dental and mental health care for uninsured Virginians.
	The Pharmacy Connection, VHCF's flagship program to obtain free medications for eligible, uninsured Virginians, has provided 148,538 uninsured Virginians with more than $490,000 million in free prescription medication.

     • Community Health Centers
     • Free Clinics 

     • Other Health Safety Net Providers
     • Income Eligibility

     • VA Insurance Counseling Program