Oregon Public Broadcasting

One fifth of emergency room visits are from people without health insurance, according to a study released Wednesday. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

The study, conducted by the Lane County chapter of United Way, looked at emergency room visits over the last three years.

Researchers found an increase in the number of visits from uninsured people and a 30 percent jump in the costs of visits.

Susan Stearns of the 100 Percent Access Coalition, says many Oregonians simply can’t afford to see a doctor.

Susan Stearns : “What we’re learning is that as more people get disconnected from insurance, either don’t qualify for Medicaid or aren’t covered by an employer sponsored plan, they delay getting any care, so they ultimately use the ER as their point of entrance to the healthcare system.”

The study also found that emergency room visits from people suffering mental health symptoms jumped 30 percent.

There were also more diabetes-related complaints and young people with asthma.