Excellus BCBS to Offer Free Health Insurance Screenings During Cover the Uninsured Week, March 22-28

ROCHESTER, NY (03/19/2009)(readMedia)-- As part of national Cover the Uninsured Week (March 22-28), Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is offering free assistance for uninsured people in upstate New York who need help finding a health plan that is right for them.

Excellus BCBS representatives will be at locations in upstate New York next week, helping people determine whether they are eligible for government-based health insurance programs - such as Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Healthy New York and Medicaid Managed Care.

Excellus BCBS is offering free screenings for the uninsured at a time when the rate of working-age New York state adults who have health coverage from their employer is decreasing. Simultaneously, the rate of working-age adults in the state who are uninsured or receiving their health insurance from government programs is slightly growing, according to a report released today by Excellus BCBS.

"Our concern is that the worsening national economy will cause the ranks of the uninsured to grow even more," said Kim Browning, vice president, government programs, Excellus BCBS. "We hope our Cover the Uninsured Week events will help some people who are uninsured find a health plan that is right for them."

At the free screenings, Excellus BCBS representatives, after evaluating individuals' eligibility, can also help people complete the necessary paperwork. Appointments are not needed. Excellus BCBS representatives will be at locations ranging from Greece, Monroe County in the west; Oneonta, Otsego County in the east; and Plattsburgh, Clinton County in the north. For a list of screenings, call 1 (800) 716-4885.

Employer vs. Government Coverage

The rate of employment-based coverage among New York state working-age adults (ages 18 to 64) declined from an average of 65.1 percent in 2004 and 2005 to an average of 63.7 percent in 2006 and 2007, according to the Excellus BCBS report: "The Facts About Health Coverage in New York State."

At the same time, the rate of working-age adults with government-based coverage increased slightly from 16.2 percent to 16.9 percent and the uninsured rate grew from 17.4 percent to 18.1 percent.

Upstate's Advantage

More than 661,000 children and adults in upstate New York - or 10.9 percent of the population - were uninsured from 2005 to 2007. Upstate New York's 10.9 percent uninsured rate for children and adults, however, was lower than the New York state rate of 13.4 percent and the national rate of 15.4 percent from 2005 to 2007. When comparing upstate New York's uninsured rate to that of other states, upstate has the 12th lowest uninsured rate in the country, according to the report.

"People in upstate New York are fortunate because they are more likely to have health insurance than their counterparts elsewhere in the state and nation," Browning said. "But there are still too many people who are going without health coverage, a situation which will likely get worse given the tough economy," she added. "This is problematic since people without health insurance risk significant health problems and financial hardship should they get seriously sick or hurt."

For More Information

If people cannot make any of the screenings during Cover the Uninsured Week, they can call 1 (800) 716-4885 to schedule an appointment. People who want to enroll in a government-based plan at the screenings should bring documentation such as their original birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of current income and residency (e.g., utility bill). Adults (not children) will also need proof of current financial resources (e.g., checking and/or savings account statement, etc.) to enroll.

To access the report, "The Facts About Health Coverage in New York State," click on the "Policy and Research" tab at www.excellusbcbs.com .