Times Argus: Vermont News & Information:

"In addition to problems with Medicare and Medicaid, the hospitals are bearing the costs of treating people who have no coverage at all — working people who do not qualify for Medicaid but who have no private insurance. Lack of insurance, a growing problem in the state and nation, creates a cascade of destructive effects. It is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy. It leaves hospitals and other providers with a mounting pile of unpaid bills. And it contributes to the poor health of people who are unable to access ordinary services, such as a trip to the dentist or a regular check-up."