Devoted to the Insurance industry and all thing related

A stunning number of eligible California residents, 43 percent of reported 6.7 million, are not signing up for government sponsored health insurance according to insurancejournal.com.  When the Foundation for Health Coverage Education became privy to these statistics they decided to publish a “list of little known facts about the public health insurance programs currently in place.”

This list is a powerful and enlightening tool for people not sure of their insurance options.  I encourage everyone unsure of their insurance options to read this list and visit the Foundation for Health Coverage Education website at www.coverageforall.org.  The statistics cited in this list are based on 2002 numbers.

1. A family of 4 can make up to $50,000 a year and still qualify for government sponsored comprehensive health insurance for their children at a cost of $5-10 a month per child.
2. A pregnant woman who can't afford insurance can get comprehensive government sponsored coverage (not just maternity care) for herself and her baby before, during and after the birth of her child under the Aid to Infants and Mothers (AIM) program.

3. Of the 6.7 million uninsured, an estimated 2.9 million are eligible
for coverage but not enrolled.

4. Of the 6.7 million uninsured, an estimated 652,000 are temporarily
uninsured and are in between jobs, starting another job, or are
waiting for the 90-day period of time before their insurance begins at
work.

5. Of the 6.7 million uninsured, an estimated 2.1 million are people who do not consider health insurance a good investment and would rather pay as they go.

6. For laid-off employees who worry about their COBRA running out, HIPP is a continuation of this program at the state level to maintain the plan at the same cost.

7. For individuals unable to obtain private health insurance due to a medical condition, MRMIP is a state-funded program that will provide guaranteed continued coverage.

8. Of the 6.7 million uninsured, 69 percent are single and 62 percent are below the age of 40.

9. Immigrants awaiting legal status are covered by the state in emergency situations, pregnancy-related care (pre-natal and delivery), kidney dialysis and treatment for breast and cervical cancer through restricted Medi-Cal.

10. Anyone who is self employed with as few as 2 employees can receive guaranteed small group health insurance regardless of pre-existing medical conditions, according to California law.