WASHINGTON - About one of every eight veterans under the age of 65 is uninsured, a finding that contradicts the assumption many have that all vets qualify for free health care through the Veterans Affairs Department, says a new study.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School projected that about 1.8 million veterans overall lack health coverage. That's an increase of 290,000 since 2000. The researchers said most uninsured veterans are in the middle class and are ineligible for VA care because of their incomes. Still others cannot afford their copayments, or lack VA facilities in their community.

The study is based on an analysis of government surveys released between 1988 and 2005. Veterans do fare better than the overall population when it comes to obtaining health insurance. Still, the Harvard researchers said the rising number of uninsured vets points to the need for more funding for the VA. The best solution, they said, would be for universal health coverage in the United States.

The study was made public just days before a conference on mental health needs of Maine veterans and their families is to be held in Lewiston.

Friday's conference will focus on creating a statewide support network for veterans. The first edition of a statewide service provider directory for veterans and their families will also be launched.

Speakers at the Lewiston conference will include U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, who chairs the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, and Maj. Gen. John W. Libby of the Maine National Guard.