Who enrolls in community-based programs for the uninsured, and why do they stay?

Faced with growing numbers of uninsured people, many communities are developing local programs to provide coverage or improve access. Some might predict that only those with health problems would participate; however, little is known about who enrolls. This paper examines participation and retention in three different community programs aimed at low-income uninsured adults. In two of the three programs, the typical participant had no health problems. Improved access to preventive and routine physician care, and increased security about getting access to care should the need arise, appeared to be the primary benefits of both initial and continued enrollment.