§ 40-8.4-16 - Pilot program for the uninsured – Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-8.4-16

   § 40-8.4-16  Pilot program for theuninsured – 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; and

   (2) From 2001-2002, 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; and

   (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; and

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

   (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; and

   (6) Rhode Island residents use of the emergency room servicesis greater than that of the nation; and

   (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; and

   (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.