‘More Uninsured Are Among Ranks of the Employed’
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
To cure a problem, first diagnose it accurately. The article “More Uninsured Are Among Ranks of the Employed” says the United Hospital Fund is reporting an increase in uninsured New Yorkers [July 7, 2008].
Here are surprising facts from the UHF report that disclose who is uninsured and why employers are not to blame.
1. Nearly 40% of New Yorkers counted as “uninsured” actually have health security. They are eligible for existing government programs such as Medicaid and have failed to sign up. When they go to a hospital or clinic for care, they will be enrolled. New York runs ads, hands out brochures, and works with community organizations to inform families about these programs.
2. New Yorkers between 19 and 35 years of age are far more likely to be uninsured than older adults. One reason is that New York’s insurance laws exploit the young. Young adults are compelled to pay the same “community-rated” price for a health plan as middle-aged people. That’s unfair to young adults who need, on average, only $1,500 worth of health care a year.
3. The uninsured are largely newcomers to America, whether here legally or illegally. The UHF data show that 39% of New York’s uninsured are foreign born. More people have moved to the U.S. over the last seven years than during any other seven year period in history. Nationwide, 49% of the uninsured have been in the country less than 6 years.
To many newcomers, health insurance is an unfamiliar notion.
The New York State legislature could make insurance more “affordable” for New Yorkers who want it. The state legislature is to blame for pushing health insurance costs out of reach. Bowing to lobbyists and other pressure groups, legislators require that almost all health plans include a broad array of services from chiropractors, acupuncturists, marriage counselors, and others.
That’s like passing a law that the only car you are permitted to buy is a fully loaded sedan. Some people can’t afford it. Insurers should be permitted to sell less costly plans in the state, and New York consumers should be allowed to go to one of several health insurance Web sites and buy plans offered out of state, where prices are lower because laws are more reasonable.
BETSY McCAUGHEY
Adjunct Senior Fellow
Hudson Institute
Former Lieutenant Governor of New York State
New York, N.Y.
