Estimates From U.S. Census Bureau Reinforce Importance Of Tailored Solutions To Address The Growing Numbers Of Uninsured
Statement from Scott P. Serota, president and CEO, BCBSA
(WASHINGTON – August 29, 2006) – Today’s Census Bureau estimates underscore the continued need for targeted approaches to reduce the numbers of uninsured Americans. With 46.6 million individuals in America now estimated to be uninsured, we must consider tailored and systematic approaches to addressing the needs of those without health insurance. To address the needs of the diverse groups that make up the uninsured, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has proposed a series of options that could considerably reduce the number of uninsured Americans.
The new Census numbers confirm that the uninsured continue to be a varied group, with individuals generally falling into three overarching categories: those eligible but not enrolled in existing government programs; middle and upper income; and lower income. BCBSA has proposed a series of approaches that would target all three segments of the uninsured:
- Unenrolled Medicaid/SCHIP Eligibles: BCBSA recommends expanding initiatives to improve outreach activities, address barriers to enrollment and encourage states to use Medicaid/SCHIP funds to pay the employee’s share of employer-offered coverage.
- Middle and Upper Income Individuals: BCBSA recommends a broad-based educational campaign and incentives – directed to key segments, such as young adults – to highlight the health and financial risks of being uninsured. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans also offer a variety of options especially designed for this segment of the population, including HSA products that enable consumers across the country greater control and choices over more health insurance options for themselves and their families.
- Lower Income Individuals: Several options would help lower income individuals purchase coverage, including tax credits for small employers with low-wage workers and tax credits designed to protect individuals with premiums that represent a relatively large percentage of their incomes. In addition, the SCHIP program would be expanded to cover all individuals below poverty and states would be encouraged to pay the premium for these individuals to enroll in their employer’s health plan.
More information about the details of BCBSA’s targeted options for addressing the needs of the uninsured is available at www.bcbs.com .
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is made up of 38 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 94 million – nearly one-in-three – Americans. For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s policy positions and the healthcare debate, visit:
BCBSHealthIssues.com
Contact: Jackie Fishman , 202.626.8644