Access to care for the uninsured: Is access to a physician enough?

Objectives. This study examined a private-sector, statewide program (Kentuc ky Physicians Care) of care for uninsured indigent persons regarding provis ion of preventive services. Methods. A survey was conducted of a stratified random sample of 2509 Kentu cky adults (811 with private insurance, 849 Medicaid recipients, 849 Kentuc ky Physicians Care recipients). Results. The Kentucky Physicians Care group had significantly lower rates o f receipt of preventive services. Of the individuals in this group, 52% cit ed cost as the primary reason fur not receiving mammography. and 38% had no t filled prescribed medicines in the previous year. Conclusions. Providing free access to physicians fills important needs but is not sufficient for many uninsured patients to receive necessary preventi ve services.