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.
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.
Governor Ed Rendell has made several proposals over the last two years which would cover additional individuals. Though he has made health care expansion a priority, his proposals have been voted down by Senate Republicans, who believe the measures are too costly to the state with not enough benefit.
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.
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