The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the results of a study just released by the state of Pennsylvania which studied health care in the state. The report shows that there are now over a million in the state who have no health insurance, and the majority of the uninsured are adults who are working.
In a study begun in September 2007 and completed last May, the state surveyed to determine how many were uninsured and the results came back with an astounding 8.2% of all citizens without health insurance. That calculates to over one million total. Uninsured children made up 140,000 of the total, while 880,000 were uninsured adults. The study found that minorities and lower income families were more likely to be uninsured, but that the numbers crossed boundaries of race, age, and geography.
State officials believe that the number of uninsured is likely higher than the study shows. Joel Ario, the state insurance commissioner announced that there is a real crisis for the adult population regarding health care, and that it has probably gotten worse since May when the survey was taken. By June of 2009, the number on the waiting list for AdultBasic, the state's adult health insurance program will double the current figures to over 282,000.
The problem has been addressed several times over the last two years with no success. Governor Ed Rendell, for whom health care expansion is a priority, has had all of his proposals voted down by Senate Republicans, who rejected them because they believe they are too costly for the benefit they bring.
The state of New Jersey actually has 1.4 million residents who are uninsured, or 16% of the population. The reason for the disparity between the two neighboring states is because more residents of Pennsylvania are covered by a variety of public programs. And Pennsylvania also has a high union membership, which normally provides workers with health benefits.
In a study begun in September 2007 and completed last May, the state surveyed to determine how many were uninsured and the results came back with an astounding 8.2% of all citizens without health insurance. That calculates to over one million total. Uninsured children made up 140,000 of the total, while 880,000 were uninsured adults. The study found that minorities and lower income families were more likely to be uninsured, but that the numbers crossed boundaries of race, age, and geography.
State officials believe that the number of uninsured is likely higher than the study shows. Joel Ario, the state insurance commissioner announced that there is a real crisis for the adult population regarding health care, and that it has probably gotten worse since May when the survey was taken. By June of 2009, the number on the waiting list for AdultBasic, the state's adult health insurance program will double the current figures to over 282,000.
The problem has been addressed several times over the last two years with no success. Governor Ed Rendell, for whom health care expansion is a priority, has had all of his proposals voted down by Senate Republicans, who rejected them because they believe they are too costly for the benefit they bring.
The state of New Jersey actually has 1.4 million residents who are uninsured, or 16% of the population. The reason for the disparity between the two neighboring states is because more residents of Pennsylvania are covered by a variety of public programs. And Pennsylvania also has a high union membership, which normally provides workers with health benefits.
About the Author:
The nation's largest provider of health insurance quotes can be found at www.InsureLane.com. Let the professionals there help you with insurance quotes. They can provide several quotes within minutes, along with valuable advice we all can appreciate.
No comments:
Post a Comment