Despite a thriving economy, Californian's uninsured population increased by 276,000 in 1998 to 7.3 million, nearly a quarter of its nonelderly residents. California continues to have higher uninsured rates than the rest of the country. California accounted for one-third of the entire nation's increase in the number of uninsured between 1997 and 1998. The increase in the uninsured is due to declining Medicaid coverage, a result of welfare reform, with no increases in employment-based or other private health insurance coverage despite a flourishing economy. The consequences of lack of insurance can be severe, and argue for increased efforts to eliminate disparities in health insurance coverage.
People of color are far more likely than other groups to be uninsured: 40% of all nonelderly Latinos in California, 22%-23% for African Americans and for Asian American and Pacific Islanders, compared to just 15% for non-Latino whites. Noncitizens also experience extreme disparities in coverage compared to citizens.
This session presents key findings from comprehensive, statewide surveys conducted by the Health Insurance Policy Program, a joint effort of University of California, Berkeley, Center for Health and Public Policy Studies and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. This work is funded by a grant from The California Wellness Foundation. The goals of this session are to present current findings on the status of health insurance in California, outline key drivers of declines in coverage, and offer policy options that may improve Californians' access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance that promotes their health.
Learning Objectives: 1. Present current findings on the status of health insurance in Californians, and describe those most likely to be uninsured. 2. Outline key drivers of declines in health insurance coverage in California. 3. Offer policy options that may improve Californians' access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance that promotes their health
Keywords: Health Insurance, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This research is part of the Health Insurance Policy Program, a joint effort of University of California, Berkeley, Center for Helath and Public Policy Studies and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Health Insurance Policy Program grantee, funded by The California Wellness Foundation