§ 27-68-1 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 27-68-1

   § 27-68-1  Legislative findings. – The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

   (1) Although Rhode Island has one of the highest rates ofhealth insurance coverage in the nation, gaps in coverage remain and the rateof coverage dropped significantly during the past year.

   (2) From 2001 to 2002, the state's uninsured rate for workingage adults went from eight percent (8%) to eleven percent (11%), one ofeighteen (18) states in the country with a significant increase.

   (3) Significant health insurance premium rate increases overthe past two (2) years especially for small businesses and the self-insured arecontributing to an increase in the rate of the uninsured.

   (4) The largest segment of uninsured Rhode Island residentsare adults with low incomes, many of whom are employed.

   (5) Individuals without health coverage often resort toexpensive emergency room care that ultimately drives up the overall cost ofcare for everyone and adds to the state's uncompensated care burden.

   (6) Rhode Island residents use of emergency room services isgreater than that of the nation.

   (7) The institute of medicine defines primary care as theprovision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who areaccountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs,developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the contextof family and community.

   (8) Access to primary health care should be available toevery resident of the state regardless of income and whether or not they haveaccess to health insurance.