The survey showed that 28 percent of adults under 64 lacked health coverage at some time last year, an increase from 26 percent in 2003.

The most dramatic increase was among those with “moderate incomes” of $20,000 to $40,000 annually. Five years ago 28 percent of those surveyed in that group lacked coverage. By last year the figure had risen to 41 percent.

Well over half of those who earn less than $20,000 a year lack coverage.

More than half of uninsured adults reported medical debt or bill problems. Nearly half reported they had used up all their savings to pay these bills.

As a result, more people use emergency rooms for medical treatment, despite lengthy waits, or are delaying decisions to seek treatment until symptoms become acute. The survey found that more than 35 percent of uninsured adults went to an emergency room or stayed overnight in a hospital, compared with 16 percent of those who were insured.  
 
 
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