Report reflects Kansans’ insurance struggles
Governor to seek ways to ease pricey premiums
Topeka ? Skyrocketing insurance costs are forcing many Kansans to choose between health-care coverage and other needs, according to a report released Tuesday.
In 2003, Kansas families paid an estimated $8,794 for health-insurance premiums, an increase of $2,557, or 40 percent from 2000, the Kansas Action for Children study showed.
“These families are having to choose between basic necessities such as food and health care because of the rising costs and limited access that have put preventative services out of reach,” said Gary Brunk, executive director of KAC.
The study recommends the state do a better job of enrolling low-income children who are eligible for already existing health programs, such as Medicaid and HealthWave.
That recommendation is one of many being considered in Kansas and elsewhere as states experiment with ways to make health-care coverage more affordable.
In Kansas, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has said health insurance reform would be a top priority, equating coverage with homeland security.
“To me, one of the issues of security is domestic security,” Sebelius said. “The biggest cause of bankruptcy is a health incident. The single thing people worry about when losing their job is also losing their health insurance. So, I think taking steps in that direction is really important to stabilizing our economy.”
Sebelius has said she will unveil a major initiative but so far has refused to discuss details publicly. The plan is still in the works and probably will be introduced this fall, aides said.
But governors and legislatures in many other states have already started new programs.
