New SHADAC State-by-State Analysis for Cover the Uninsured Week

March 24, 2009. Each spring we work with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to prepare a report for their Cover the Uninsured Week. Now in its seventh year, the campaign has become the largest nonpartisan mobilization in history seeking solutions for the 45.7 million Americans who are uninsured.

This year’s report, just released, is titled "At the Brink: Trends in America’s Uninsured 1994-2007." The report provides a quick glance state-by-state health coverage trends. Over the last 15 years, nearly every state has seen increased numbers of uninsured residents, greater costs for workers relative to income, and significant erosion of private coverage. While we as health services researchers are aware of these issues, RWJF works hard to get word out to the public on these issues through the media. This is especially relevant this year. Despite the attention garnered by the economic downturn, it’s important to keep discussion of health insurance coverage at the forefront.

Because of our nation’s reliance on employer-sponsored coverage and the increasing costs of health care, the topic of health insurance coverage is invariably intertwined with our recession and the recovery. We know that every state has been adversely affected and encourage you to talk with your local legislators and media to help them understand the fundamental issues. We hope this report can be a useful tool for discussion.

Lynn A. Blewett, Ph.D.