Many Americans Still Uninsured, Study Finds
Healthcare organizations and managed care companies will have to flex a lot more muscle than they have in the past to increase access to healthcare coverage for all Americans, according to a new state-by-state data released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The study found that one out of every five Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 does not have health insurance or has inadequate coverage. Cost continues to be the main barrier to coverage, according to the study's authors.
The study, which determined the nationwide insurance status of adults, age 18 to 64, found that Hawaii residents are most likely to have adequate health insurance, whereas residents in the South, Southwest and West are less likely to be adequately covered. The study also found that:
- 6.8% to 24.6% of Americans are uninsured and 4.3% to 9% are underinsured. (The underinsured are defined as people who said they had insurance but didn't see a doctor because they were concerned about cost).
- 24% to 60% of the unemployed are uninsured and 1.2% to 21% are underinsured.
- Among the employed, 7.9% to 28% are uninsured or underinsured.
Educated Consumers Still Confused About Eating Right
Preventive "eat right, stay healthy" campaigns need to cut through the confusion many Americans feel about healthy foods and developing health-conscious behaviors. The general confusion is caused by conflicting news stories about what to eat and how to avoid serious illness, according to New York-based CDB Research & Consulting Inc., a research and communications strategy consulting firm.
The survey found that:
- 44% of adults are confused by news coverage on healthy eating and living;
- 42% are confused about ways to minimize serious illness.
- Overall, people feel more knowledgeable about nutrition and trends in preventive medicine in 1997 (80%) than they did in 1994 (61%). (CDB, Don Goncalves, 781/467-1519)
Minnesota Jumps on Alternative Care Bandwagon
Heeding the favorable consumer trends for incorporating alternative care into healthcare coverage, Minnesota's oldest preferred provider organization (PPO) is adding alternative therapies to its health plan.
The Araz Group, based in Minneapolis, has expanded its coverage to respond to increased consumer demand for alternative healthcare options.
The specific consumer trends that shaped its decision, include:
- One in three Americans use some form of alternative medicine.
- Americans spend $13.7 billion out-of-pocket each year for alternative services.
- 70% of all managed care plans are reporting increased requests for alternative therapies from members.
The Araz Group is offering access to alternative care services for free to its 250,000 members. The options will include acupuncture, biofeedback, massage therapy and chiropractic care. (Araz Group, Elizabeth Sosin, 1-800-444-3005, ext. 288)
Correction
In the Nov. 13 issue, we incorrectly described a feature of Schering Oncology/Biotech's "Be In Charge" disease management program for chronic hepatitis B and C sufferers. The program provides psychosocial (not psychosexual) information.