2/3rds Pa. uninsured could get government help but haven’t

(Harrisburg) — Nearly one million people don’t have health insurance in Pennsylvania, and a new study shows many could get coverage but don’t know they’re eligible.

Nearly half of the uninsured are eligible for Medicaid, but haven’t enrolled.

And almost another 20 percent could get tax credits if they bought insurance on the federal marketplace.

That means government help is available to two-thirds of Pennsylvanians who don’t have health insurance, yet they aren’t using the assistance.

The study, from the non-profit health group the Kaiser Family Foundation, relies on census data.

“People still have a perception that health insurance is something that’s very expensive, that they cannot afford. Under the ACA, particularly for people who are eligible for Medicaid, that insurance is available for low or no cost,” says Rachel Garfield, the lead author on the study.

Garfield says many people aren’t trying to avoid health insurance.

“It was more that they didn’t understand maybe that the coverage was available to them, weren’t quite sure how to start the application process. It’s really kinda getting the message out to people and providing some assistance to help them navigate the process and help them understand that this coverage is available.”

Garfield says Pennsylvania’s rate of uninsured should fall as more people learn about Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to expand Medicaid and loosen eligibility requirements.

She also says hospitals and community health clinics are helping educate patients about the options available.

But, she says it’s hard to predict a rate the state should set as a target.