University of New England

UNE Center for Health Policy, Planning and Research contracted to assess health insurance needs of Pennsylvania residents

PORTLAND, MAINE – The Center for Health Policy, Planning and Research (CHPPR), which is located at the University of New England's Westbrook College Campus, along with its survey research partner Market Decisions, has been awarded a contract by the state of Pennsylvania to conduct research on the uninsured population in the state.

 The study, which will include a 20,000 sample household survey, is being done in order to (1) estimate the amount of uninsured adults and children at both county and state levels; (2) describe key characteristics of the uninsured and under-insured along with principal barriers they have in accessing health insurance programs; and (3) identify programs and policies Pennsylvania might pursue to expand insurance coverage to these populations.

 The current study will build on an initial 2004 healthcare access study done by the Center (formerly known as Public Health Resource Group) and Market Decisions for the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. The 2004 study, which included a large population survey of Pennsylvania residents, was designed to describe the uninsured population in the state, as well as key characteristics of this population. 

The report issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance provided detailed information on the health insurance status of Pennsylvania residents, the characteristics of the uninsured residents, barriers to health insurance coverage and barriers to healthcare.

The new study will measure trends in insurance coverage and the impact of programs implemented following the 2004 study. It will also assist in the development of new programs to reach out to those currently without insurance.

(Press release posted Sept. 6, 2007)