The eyes of the nation will be watching Utah to see how well a new insurance program for the uninsured works.
Washington granted a waiver to use federal funds for the new program
even though it reduces benefits below those offered by Medicaid.
News Specialist Ed Yeates explains the program.
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More Info
- No applications available until June 1, 2002
Eligibility
- Singles, couples & parents
- Pay $50 enrollment fee anually
- No access to health insurance.
- Uninsured for six months.
Links
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The new Utah plan is designed to offer limited coverage to those uninsured adults in the State who are still falling through the cracks.
For now, Lisa and Brad Rentfro live from paycheck to paycheck. Lisa's home hairdressing business pays for utilities.
Brad works part time while he's going to school. His money pays for the rest of the necessities.
But health insurance? Hardly!
LISA RENTFRO: "RIGHT NOW, FOR US TO GET INSURANCE, IT WOULD BE ABOUT $600 A MONTH AND THAT WOULD JUST TOTALLY CUT US OUT OF BEING ABLE TO MEET THE HOUSE PAYMENT AND ALL THE UTILITIES."
The Rentfro's are among a subgroup of 85 thousand adults in this state.
They make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid and too little to buy insurance on the open market.
So when Brad's tooth had to be pulled because of an abscess..
LISA: "THE BILL CAME TO ALMOST A THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TOOK ALL OF OUR SAVINGS AND IT WAS VERY STRESSFUL AND UPSETTING. LIKE WHAT COULD WE HAVE DONE WITH THAT MONEY OR WHAT IF THERE IS A BIGGER CRISIS OR SOMETHING AND NOW WE DON'T HAVE THAT SAVINGS."
Insurance for the Rentfro children is picked up by the State's CHIPS program. But for Mom and Dad - Medicaid means nothing.
Rod Betit / Executive Dir., State Health Dept.: "THIS FEDERAL POSITION OF HAVING JUST ONE BENEFIT PACKAGE FOR EVERYBODY HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD POLICY DECISION FOR A LONG TIME - SO WE'RE FINALLY BEING ABLE TO BREAK AWAY FROM THAT."
The State took its break away proposal to the Feds - and got a waiver to try the plan for five years. Here's what people like the Rentfro's will soon get:
For an annual fee of $50 - primary care by community clinics or network physicians.
Urgent care - when appropriate - although the plan encourages more preventive care at clinics.
Lab, x-ray, medical equipment, medical supplies, oxygen, ambulance, basic dental, hearing and vision screenings, and limited prescription drugs are also covered.
May 3, 2002
