More Men than Women Uninsured in Rhode Island, Health Department Data Indicate

Rhode Island men, particularly members of minority groups, are more likely to be uninsured than are female residents, according to a analysis released May 29 by the state Health Department. The Providence Journal reports that data from 2000 show that 12.3% of men were uninsured, compared with 6.1% of women. In 1997, men and women were uninsured at roughly the same rate, around 10%. State officials said the decrease in the percentage of uninsured women likely is attributable to an expansion of the state's RIte Care program for children and their parents; women are more likely to be members of families that are eligible for the program. The increase in percentage of uninsured men, however, "remains a mystery," the Journal reports. The report, based on a telephone survey of state residents, also found that individuals with incomes lower than $20,000 per year and those who were unemployed were more likely than those with higher incomes and the employed to be uninsured in 2000. In addition, while the state's overall insurance rate among adults is 90.8% -- the highest in the country -- one in six blacks and one in 10 Hispanics were uninsured in 2000 (Freyer, Providence Journal, 5/30). The report is available online. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report.

Good News for Health Plans
A separate analysis by the health department -- also released May 30 -- shows that Rhode Island health plans are generally providing quality care and doing well financially, the Journal reports. The report, a compilation of data from 1998 to 2000 provided by the five health plans that enroll more than 10,000 Rhode Islanders each, found that 72% of health plan members surveyed were satisfied with their insurance, and 82% were satisfied with their health care in general. Both rates are higher than rates in New England and the nation overall. The health plans experienced an increase in profits as they increased premiums 18% from 1998 to 2000 -- nearly double the 10% average increase in New England and 11% national increase -- and reduced the amount of each premium dollar spent on health care services from 92 cents in 1998 to 84 cents in 2000. The report, mandated by a 1996 law, is intended to provide consumers with more information about health plans and to "shed light on the industry," Bruce Cryan, author of the analysis, said, adding, "We've seen favorable trends in most of the measures" (Freyer, Providence Journal, 5/30). The health plan report is available online. Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report.