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The Uninsured: What Do the New Numbers Mean for Health Reform?

This report delves into Maryland's health coverage trends and recent reforms, such as the Medicaid Expansion and Small Business Health Coverage Act. It discusses the impact on uninsured rates and the need for further federal reform to address the challenges ahead. While progress has been made, significant work remains to ensure access to healthcare for all residents and alleviate the burden on employers and taxpayers.

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The Uninsured: What Do the New Numbers Mean for Health Reform?

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  1. The Uninsured: What Do the New Numbers Mean for Health Reform? Alliance for Health Reform John M. Colmers, Secretary Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene September 18, 2009

  2. Maryland’s Coverage Rate Trends • Percent Uninsured - Under 64 • 2007 - 2008 14.4% • 2005 - 2006 15.6% • 2000 - 2001 12.0 %* • % Medicaid - Under 65 • 2007 - 2008 10.2% • 2005 - 2006 9.1% • 2000 - 2001 6.0% • Privately Insured - Under 65 • 2007 - 2008 76.0% • 2005 - 2007 76.0% • 2000 - 2001 83.0%

  3. Recent Reforms: Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act (2007) • Medicaid Expansion: Expansion of Benefits for Families – Began July 2008 • Income eligibility level increased from approximately 30% of FPL to 116% of FPL • Raised income eligibility level from less than $6,000 in annual income for a family of three to about $20,000 annually • Moved Maryland from near the bottom of states to above average • Over 47,000 parents and caretaker relatives enrolled Expansion of Benefits for Childless Adults (contingent on funding) • Primary Adult Care (PAC) Program • Phased in over three years • May cap benefits and enrollment

  4. Enrollment – Medicaid & MCHP Excluding Expansion Parents

  5. Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act (2007) (continued) • Small Business Subsidy Program Health Insurance Partnership – Began October 2008 • Subsidy of up to 50% cost of premium for business with 2-9 FTEs, $50,000 average wage, and not offering coverage for 12 months • Wellness benefits and Section 125 Plan requirements • State administers the program through insurance carriers, offering employers a choice of carrier and plan • Over 200 businesses and 1,000 individuals have enrolled • Additional Reforms Kids First Act (2008) changed tax form for 2008 and 2009 to allow taxpayers to indicate whether dependent children have insurance. Simultaneously streamlined enrollment process

  6. Concluding Thoughts • While Maryland has made important strides much remains to be done. • The economy, expanded access and an emphasis on outreach are leading to a surge in enrollment in public programs. • Significant reform at federal level is essential • Maintaining status quo cannot be an option • High costs, more uninsured, States’ employers, taxpayers and economy suffer

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