With the legislative interim only weeks away, important issues for the next session are being identified for assessment, research and discussion. One of the most significant concerns facing Oklahoma is the glaring number of uninsured among our ranks.
Currently, more than 650,000 persons or 19 percent of the population in our state are without health-care coverage. This statistic is alarming because society bears a substantial portion of the cost associated with the uninsured. Individuals without health insurance are often forced to seek treatment in the emergency room, the most expensive setting. The cost of this uncompensated care is then passed on to those with insurance, thus creating a vicious cycle of increasing premiums causing more people to drop coverage.
Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland estimates health insurance premiums have increased by 25 percent in recent years to compensate for services provided to those without coverage.
In addition, an unhealthy work force places a financial strain on businesses because of the loss of productivity. In 2006, the diminished health of those without coverage had an economic impact of more than $150 billion nationwide. Optimum output on the job is compromised by the preventable and often deteriorated health conditions of uninsured employees.
The most alarming consequence of this issue is the overall effect on the quality of life for people without insurance. Most people without coverage are faced with inadequate health-care choices. Limited access places the uninsured at risk for adverse health outcomes. Lack of early and ongoing medical care leaves the uninsured more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable health problems. Children without insurance normally do not have access to preventative care and are more likely to miss school due to illness. Uninsured families report financial problems because of medical bills that are double or triple the rate of insured families. Statistically, the uninsured tend to be sicker and at greater risk of dying prematurely.
These factors are the driving force behind the formation of a task force to address the uninsured and growing cost of health care in Oklahoma. The coalition will consist of legislators, medical associations, hospital administrators, business leaders, community activists and health-care advocates. The bipartisan group will be challenged to think outside the box as well as review and enhance work already being done on this issue.
The task force will officially convene in the interim and work to present a list of recommendations to the Legislature for consideration next session. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the number of uninsured, increase health-care literacy, reverse the trend toward unhealthy living and improve the health of Oklahoma. Reducing the number of uninsured is key to accomplishing this mission because possessing health-care coverage is directly associated with better health-related outcomes.
Please feel free to contact me anytime with your input, opinions or questions related to state government. I can be reached at the office at 557-7345 or at krissteele@okhouse.gov.
