No Health Care for One Million In Pennsylvania

Results of a study just released by the state of Pennsylvania reveals that yet another milestone has been reached. The state now has more than a million citizens who have no health insurance. The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing the study, stated that the majority of the uninsured are actually working adults.
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.
The state insurance commissioner, Joel Ario, stated that the numbers are likely much higher than the survey reveals. It is reported that AdultBasic, the state’s health insurance program for adults will double the current number on their waiting list to over 282,000 by June.
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 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.