A report published in a web-exclusive article in Health Affairs this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that people who are uninsured for a full year receive less than half as much care as those that have insurance, yet pay more for that little they do receive.  In 2008, the uninsured will spend a total of $30 billion in out-of-pocket costs for health care. In addition to these alarming statistics, the report also projects how much it would cost if everyone had health insurance.

For the full report and article featured in Health Affairs, go to: http://www.kff.org/uninsured/kcmu082508pkg.cfm

According to a report released today by the US Census Bureau, there are 45 million uninsured Americans. In New York alone, there are 2.5 million men, women, and children that are uninsured. (US Census Bureau Report) HCFANY member organizations voiced their concerns over these statistics and issued a press release.(HCFANY Press Release for Aug 26 Census Final) These numbers fuel HCFANY’s continual commitment to achieving affordable, comprehensive, high-quality insurance for New Yorkers.  The Commonwealth Fund notes that the slight decrease in this year’s total uninsured numbers was accounted for by increased enrollment into public health insurance programs, such as Medicaid SCHIP. (Commonwealth Fund Report).

An op-ed by Assembly member Camara published in the Albany Times Union on Sunday warns that health care spending will soon crush small businesses unless something is done.  The article cites the recent poll by the Small Business Majority, BALCONY, American Cancer Society, and AARP which found affordability to be a deciding factor for many small businesses who do not offer health insurance, and urges lawmakers to consider employer sizes when designing reform options for New York State.

To read the full article, click here.

To read a copy of the Small Business Majority/BALCONY poll, click here: Balcony Survey Report

On August 20, the Boston Globe reported that enrollment in the Massachusetts universal health program has now reached 439,000 (out of an estimated previously 600,000 uninsured), based on a report from the State’s Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (HCFP). This surge comes less than two years after the program’s start and despite its current fiscal uncertainty. New insurance enrollments have undoubtedly contributed to a reported 37% drop in uninsured visits to hospitals and community health centers this year, resulting in an estimated $68 million in savings for the State.

To read the full news article, click here.

To read the full report from HCFP, click here: HCFP Key Indicators