Pennsylvania recently completed a statewide survey on uninsured rates. The study showed in general that increases in uninsured numbers were seen in almost every category from 2004 to 2008, including adults, children, certain ethnic groups and most geographic areas.

Because Pennsylvania is the national role model for children's health insurance - with CHIP and Cover All Kids - our numbers aren't as dire as other states. However, the parents of these children are struggling to stay healthy.

The waiting list for adultBasic, which provides subsidized health coverage to adults who have been uninsured for at least three months, stands at more than 183,000 as of January 2009 and is projected to grow to 282,000 by the end of June. Some people have been on the waiting list since November of 2006.

The specific findings of the survey are:

• The survey found that more than 1 million (1,021,790) Pennsylvanians lack health insurance coverage. This is an increase from a 2004 study indicating that nearly 900,000 Pennsylvania residents were uninsured.
• Overall, the percentage of Pennsylvania residents that are uninsured rose from 7.5 percent in 2004 to 8.2 percent in 2008. Individuals in the 19-44 age bracket are the most likely to be uninsured.
• Adults lacking health insurance rose from 755,000 in 2004 to nearly 883,000 in 2008.
• The percentage of Pennsylvanians covered by private health insurance dropped from 66 percent in 2004 to 62 percent in 2008. However, when looking at individuals under age 65, more than 70 percent are covered by private health insurance. This is slightly above the national average of 68.9 percent.
• About 18 percent of Pennsylvania residents have health insurance through a state- sponsored program, an increase from 14 percent in 2004.
• The number of uninsured children increased from about 133,500 to approximately 138,500. However, more than 60 percent of eligible children are enrolled in the CHIP program and nearly all (83 percent) of the CHIP parents would recommend the program.
• Characteristics of those who are uninsured show that: nearly 18 percent have lacked coverage for more than 5 years; 62 percent, ages 19-64, are working; of those people who are working and uninsured, nearly 48 percent work for small employers of fewer than 50 people; 61 percent have not seen a doctor or health care provider for routine care during the last 12 months (this compares to 24 percent of those with coverage); only 6 percent have stayed in a hospital overnight during the last 12 months (this compares to 11 percent of insured Pennsylvanians).