§ 27-68-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(1) Although Rhode Island has one of the highest rates of health insurance coverage in
the nation, gaps in coverage remain and the rate of coverage dropped significantly
during the past year.
(2) From 2001 to 2002, the state's uninsured rate for working age adults went from eight
percent (8%) to eleven percent (11%), one of eighteen (18) states in the country with
a significant increase.
(3) Significant health insurance premium rate increases over the pa
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§ 27-68-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(1) Although Rhode Island has one of the highest rates of health insurance coverage in
the nation, gaps in coverage remain and the rate of coverage dropped significantly
during the past year.
(2) From 2001 to 2002, the state's uninsured rate for working age adults went from eight
percent (8%) to eleven percent (11%), one of eighteen (18) states in the country with
a significant increase.
(3) Significant health insurance premium rate increases over the past two (2) years especially
for small businesses and the self-insured are contributing to an increase in the rate
of the uninsured.
(4) The largest segment of uninsured Rhode Island residents are adults with low incomes,
many of whom are employed.
(5) Individuals without health coverage often resort to expensive emergency room care
that ultimately drives up the overall cost of care for everyone and adds to the state's
uncompensated care burden.
(6) Rhode Island residents' use of emergency room services is greater than that of the
nation.
(7) The institute of medicine defines primary care as the provision of integrated, accessible
healthcare services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority
of personal healthcare needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and
practicing in the context of family and community.
(8) Access to primary health care should be available to every resident of the state regardless
of income and whether or not they have access to health insurance.