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.
The state commissioned the study which began in September of 2007 and was completed last May to survey for the actual uninsured rate. The numbers came back with over one million citizens uninsured, a figure that equates to 8.2% of the population. Adults were more likely to be uninsured by over six to one, with numbers of 880,000, while the number of uninsured children was 140,000. The study revealed that geography, race and age were not deciding factors, but low income families and minorities were more likely to be uninsured.
Joel Ario, the state insurance commissioner stated that the numbers are probably much higher than the eight month old survey reveals. Considering the massive economic tumble which began in September, that makes sense. AdultBasic, the adult health insurance program, is expected to double the current number on its waiting list to over 282,000 by June of this year.
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 neighboring state of New Jersey actually has 16% of its citizens, or 1.4 million uninsured. The fact that Pennsylvania has a large union membership contributes to the disparity between the two states. Unions generally offer members health care coverage. Advocates for change say that it is time to expand AdultBasic by tapping into federal resources. - 15224
The state commissioned the study which began in September of 2007 and was completed last May to survey for the actual uninsured rate. The numbers came back with over one million citizens uninsured, a figure that equates to 8.2% of the population. Adults were more likely to be uninsured by over six to one, with numbers of 880,000, while the number of uninsured children was 140,000. The study revealed that geography, race and age were not deciding factors, but low income families and minorities were more likely to be uninsured.
Joel Ario, the state insurance commissioner stated that the numbers are probably much higher than the eight month old survey reveals. Considering the massive economic tumble which began in September, that makes sense. AdultBasic, the adult health insurance program, is expected to double the current number on its waiting list to over 282,000 by June of this year.
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 neighboring state of New Jersey actually has 16% of its citizens, or 1.4 million uninsured. The fact that Pennsylvania has a large union membership contributes to the disparity between the two states. Unions generally offer members health care coverage. Advocates for change say that it is time to expand AdultBasic by tapping into federal resources. - 15224
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