Organizational Affiliation: Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Author: Jane Griffin
Date: April 2002
Contact Information: Jane Griffin
RI Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI, 02905-5094
Pages: 13
Content Summary
The purpose of this report was to analyze the trend of the uninsured population in Rhode Island and the trends in the characteristics of those who are uninsured. While Rhode Island had the lowest uninsurance rate in the country at least 6.2% of all Rhode Islanders were uninsured in the year 2000. This report presented information based on the results collected in the Current Population Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System both of which are collected annually in Rhode Island . The report presents several graphs that present uninsured Rhode Islanders by age group, sex, race/ethnicity, family composition, income level, and employment status. In addition, there are three graphs that display uninsured Rhode Island Parents by income level and employment status. Each graph is accompanied by and analysis of its results.
Major Findings
The major findings of this report are that adults ages 18-34 are less likely than older adults to be insured, females are more likely to be insured that males, adults living in families with children are more likely to be insured, and unemployed adults are less likely to be insured than employed adults. Race/ethnicity results were significant for this report. The report found that the Hispanic uninsurance rate was the fastest to decline from 27.6% to 5.8% between the years 1996 to 2000. The rate of uninsurance for blacks (22.2%) was three times as high as that of whites (9%).
Unaddressed Issues or Concerns
The policy implications for this report are clear. As Doty and Holmgren found in 2004, "Policies that expand coverage to low-income families could help reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to care" (Doty 5). Therefore the racial disparities uncovered by this report could help bolster support for policies that improve access and care provided to racial and ethnic minority families.
Reference List
Doty, M. and A. Holmgren. "Unequal Access: Insurance Instability among Low-income Workers and Minorities." Issue Brief (Commonwealth Fund). 729 (2004):1-6.
How to Access Report http://www.dhs.state.ri.us/dhs/reports/ProTrends%2096-2000.pdf