4022.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 8:50 AM

Abstract #24858

HRSA State Planning Grants Program

Joyce Somsak, Office of Community Access, Health Resources Services Administration, HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane Rm. 11-25, Rockville, MD 20857, 301 443 0938, jsomsak@hrsa.gov

With over 42 million Americans lacking health insurance coverage, many efforts are underway nationally to explore options for expanding health insurance coverage to this vulnerable population. The HRSA State Planning Grants program is funding 20 states to study their uninsured populations and develop plans for affordable health insurance coverage for all its uninsured citizens.

Under this program, the grantee states are conducting studies and collecting data to better identify the characteristics of their uninsured citizens and the insurance market in their states. The grantees are using these data to determine the most effective methods to provide their uninsured with high-quality, affordable health insurance. They are examining a combination of public and private approaches to reaching their goal. As part of each grant, the grantee will be providing a report to the DHHS Secretary detailing its process and proposals. A consolidated national report to the Secretary will also be prepared. Together, these reports will provide additional data about the characteristics of the uninsured generally and present models for other States seeking to provide comprehensive coverage.

At the APHA session, the State Planning Grants Program staff will report on results to-date of the states’ data gathering activities and the process and preliminary options states are proposing to expand affordable health insurance coverage.

See www.hrsa.gov/stateplanning/default.htm

Learning Objectives: N/A

Keywords: Insurance, Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA