Heather Shepherd (left) looks on as Dr. James Livermore examines her 2-month-old daughter, Yalaina Garrett, at the Tippecanoe Community Health Clinic, 1716 Hartford St. The infant was getting her two-month checkup and shots. By John Terhune/Journal & Courier
Heather Shepherd (left) looks on as Dr. James Livermore examines her 2-month-old daughter, Yalaina Garrett, at the Tippecanoe Community Health Clinic, 1716 Hartford St. The infant was getting her two-month checkup and shots. By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

If Heather Shepherd gets sick or injured, she's going to the emergency room.

It's an expensive option -- in fact, she's still in the process of paying off the bills from a previous visit -- but it's her only one.

Shepherd is one of a growing number of Indiana residents who lack insurance of any kind, a trend that's creating problems not only for the state's uninsured but for the entire populace, experts say.

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