Selected demographic and health characteristics--state variations, 1988-1991

There is considerable regional variation in the distribution of persons over age 65, living on Social Security, living below the poverty level and with no health insurance. For the most part, such differences are reflected in low per capita income, low health care spending as well as less favorable health outcomes and health system utilization. These differences and disparities underscore the importance of considering a wide range of variables when drawing conclusions about the nation's health care system and when making policy decisions on various social programs.