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by GBPCA on April 10, 2008
 

More Nevadan’s are Living on the Edge as Uninsured Population Continues to Rise

Nevada’s faltering economy has found another victim – those who have lost their health insurance.  According to a new analysis released by Great Basin Primary Care Association as part of National Cover the Uninsured Week from April 27 to May 3, the trend in uninsured populations projects a much higher number for 2008. In a report to the Nevada Legislature, Patricia Durbin, Executive Director of Great Basin shared that the trend showed a continuation for 2008 of the increase in uninsured populations from 2004 to 2006 of 3%. The report stated that when new economic factors such as the downward spiral in housing values and rising unemployment, that number may be even higher. “Thousands of Nevadans are just one health emergency away from facing the personal and financial catastrophe that comes from not having health insurance,” says Durbin. “We may be seeing a rate now of over 20% of Nevadans living in constant fear of getting sick or facing a health crisis because they do not have health insurance.  These numbers take into account only those who do no have insurance for the entire year.” And, she continued, “This is more than statistics.  Nevada has added over 100,000 uninsured residents in the past several years to an already over-burdened health system. It is difficult to measure that impact in time missed at work for untreated illness and loss of income.  Clearly, the impact on children who do not have insurance is the most devastating in terms of their quality of life when they don’t see the doctor for lack of money.”

 If all things were equal, we could expect the trend for 2008 to add an additional 12,000 to the uninsured roles.  But things are not equal.  “It will be no surprise for the next study to be released in early 2009 to reflect an increase of over 25,000 additional people.  This increase is largely due to the rise in premium costs and co-payments that have lead to a significant reduction in the number of Nevadans who are enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance programs,” added Durbin. “As health care coverage becomes more expensive, fewer firms will be able to offer it and when they do, the co-pays and deductibles are so high that it makes the insurance virtually useless. Additionally, the weakening economy and the rising unemployment rate indicate that this trend will remain a persistent problem for quite some time.”

 Nevada depends largely on gaming and tourism to support our public programs, but as the economy weakens, people have less discretionary income, which weakens retails sales and gaming revenues and leads to higher unemployment. From January 2007 to January 2008, Nevada (along with Florida and Illinois) had the largest increase in our unemployment rate.

 “This, coupled with the mortgage crisis, has led Nevada to have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, leading to people emptying their nest eggs and sacrificing medications, food, and other necessities in order to try to keep their houses, “ states Durbin. “This affects retail sales, construction companies, and the entire gaming and hospitality industry, resulting in reduced health insurance benefits, higher unemployment, and a greater need for public services.”  

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) are often most affected by any rise in the uninsured population, as they provide health care services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. With Nevada having the eighth highest uninsured rate in the nation, FQHC’s play a critical role in ensuring Nevada’s uninsured residents are able to continue being healthy and productive members of this state.

 “The Federally Qualified Health Center program has proven to be one of the most cost-effective ways to address our state’s high uninsured rate while also decreasing state expenditures on avoidable emergency room visits and saving the Medicaid program around 30% in annual spending. Investing in FQHCs just makes sense,” states Durbin.