Health insurance affects diagnosis and control of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension among adults aged 20-64: United States, 2005-2008.

Lack of health insurance presents a barrier to obtaining routine preventive care and early diagnosis and management of chronic conditions. In 2005-2008, approximately 23% of adults aged 20-64 had no health insurance. Hypercholesterolemia (high total cholesterol or taking medication to lower cholesterol) and hypertension (high blood pressure or taking medication to lower blood pressure) are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly when untreated and uncontrolled and are common among nonelderly adults. In 2005-2008, 23% of adults aged 20-64 had hypercholesterolemia and 23% had hypertension. The objective of this report is to quantify the association between health insurance coverage and the diagnosis and control of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension among persons with those conditions. The criteria used to define these conditions are provided in the "Definitions" section of the report.