One third of Non-Elderly Illinoisans Go Uninsured

PRESS RELEASE   
For Immediate Release, September 20, 2007                    

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Joanna VanderWoude, Media Relations Associate
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Nearly One Third of Non-Elderly Illinoisans Go Uninsured,

New Study Says

Chicago- According to a new report released today by Families USA, 3.6 million Illinois residents under the age of 65 went without health insurance for all or part of the period 2006-2007.  This was about one third of all non-elderly people in the state.  The report indicates that about two thirds of these people were uninsured for over six months.  Typically, the number of uninsured is reported as a single snapshot, and in Illinois this number has been 1.8 million.  However, the new report shows that over a two-year period of time, at least twice as many people actually go without insurance.

“Everyone’s nightmare is that they might lose their health insurance,” said John Bouman, President of The Sargent Shriver National Center On Poverty Law.  “The Families USA analysis shows that this nightmare becomes reality for a third of all non-elderly Illinois residents.”  Bouman added, “The need to establish health coverage for all in Illinois is not just about compassion for someone else.  It is a matter of urgent self-interest for all of us, even if we are presently insured.”

According to the report, just over three million non-elderly people were uninsured in Illinois in the period of 1999-2000.  The 3.6 million total for 2006-2007 thus represents an increase of about 20 percent over that relatively short period of time.  In Illinois, this period showed expansion in state-supported coverages such as FamilyCare and All Kids but dramatic decline in private and employer-sponsored coverage due to the escalating costs. 

“These trends demonstrate the price of inaction,” said Bouman.  “The health care system is in crisis and needs comprehensive reform as soon as possible.”

In Illinois, the Adequate Healthcare Task Force studied the health care coverage system for two years, conducting many public hearings and in-depth research.  It produced a plan for covering everyone in Illinois in its final report in January 2007.  Depending heavily on the products of the task force, Governor Blagojevich produced a proposal known as Illinois Covered in his March 2007 budget message.  That plan stalled in the General Assembly over the funding mechanism, and the next steps on comprehensive reform are not yet clear.  The Governor has announced his intention to roll out parts of the plan in rulemaking later this year.

The Families USA report, entitled “Wrong Direction: One out of Three Americans are Uninsured” (September 2007), is available at www.familiesusa.org.

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_{The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, a national resource, champions law and policy promoting equal opportunity and support for low-income individuals, families, and communities so that they can escape poverty permanently.}