BCBSA Analysis Shows One-third of Uninsured Americans Could Have Affordable, Quality Healthcare Coverage Immediately

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May 9, 2003

Contact:

Tony Calandro, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, 202.626.8652

CHICAGO – An analysis released today by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) indicates that immediate action can help 14 million uninsured Americans – one-third of the uninsured – obtain affordable, quality healthcare coverage now.

The analysis shows that 14 million uninsured Americans are eligible – but not enrolled in – the government-sponsored plans, SCHIP and Medicaid.

"The rising number of uninsured Americans concerns us all. Not having access to affordable, quality care can create serious risks for the uninsured - and it further compounds the problem of keeping healthcare affordable for everyone," said Scott Serota, BCBSA president and CEO.

"We can take action immediately to help enroll one-third of the uninsured in programs they are already eligible for – or we can continue to serve their needs in hospital emergency rooms, which is not the best way to manage their healthcare and is very costly," said Serota.

"We're urging civic leaders, the healthcare community and policymakers to increase their efforts to enroll eligible Americans in these existing programs," he said.

An additional 13 million uninsured Americans have income levels in excess of $50,000, and many have access to affordable healthcare coverage. The analysis also revealed that the fastest-growing income segment of the uninsured make more than $75,000 a year.

Nearly 6 million adults are classified as short-term uninsured. Many of these are young and healthy adults who see no need for insurance, as well as people who are between jobs. The remaining 8 million are considered long-term uninsured.

"Helping uninsured Americans get the healthcare coverage they're already eligible for is an immediate first step we can take," continued Serota. "But we can and must do more."

Through innovative programs and collaboration, Blue Plans across the country are working to increase the number of Americans who have access to health insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield has implemented three core strategies to increase access to quality care for everyone:

Enroll those already eligible for MEDICAID or SCHIP. Several Blue Plans are funding community outreach programs to help enroll eligible adults, children and families in appropriate government programs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, for example, supports a program to cover children in families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida grants up to $1 million annually to community health clinics and other local programs for the uninsured, making 44 grants worth more than $2.2 million since 2001.

Develop and market more innovative products for middle-class Americans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans are developing more innovative plans and services that provide quality coverage while reducing costs. For example, through its Alabama Child Care Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has provided more than 14,000 income-eligible children with access to physicians, emergency rooms and prescription drug benefits since 1987.

Provide incentives and grants for healthcare coverage for the short- and long-term unemployed. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans have designed programs to increase direct access to healthcare services for the short-term unemployed, while many companies have provided grants to help extend coverage to those most in need. For example, direct access to individual and family coverage is available in New Hampshire through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Grants of more than $127 million to help the long-term uninsured have been given by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.

The analysis also shows that 54 percent of low-wage workers employed by small businesses do not have employer coverage. Blue Plans have designed products specifically targeted to help provide affordable coverage to these workers. In addition, three-quarters of these businesses would consider offering insurance if the government provided incentives such as tax credits.

"These programs – just a fraction of the many that Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans currently offer and are expanding – demonstrate that there is real and immediate action we can take to help uninsured Americans today," said Serota. "We are committed to working with civic leaders, the healthcare community and policymakers to make healthcare more accessible – and to keeping it affordable for all Americans. Together, we can make a difference."