Poolman Announces Improvement in Uninsured Population Numbers Posted on 11/18/2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Poolman
November 18, 2002
701-328-2440
Bismarck, ND - North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman today announced that the percentage of individuals without health insurance in North Dakota is declining, according to a November 2002 report published by the nonprofit United Health Foundation (www.unitedhealthfoundation.org).
Entitled America's Health: United Health Foundation State Health Rankings, the report lists North Dakota as having an uninsured rate of 9.6 percent for 2002, based on U.S. Census Bureau Data, marking an improvement over the rate of 11.8 percent from data gathered in 2001. "We are very pleased to see the improvement," Commissioner Poolman stated. "We continue to work hard to keep insurance available and affordable in North Dakota," Poolman added, "and this is definitely a good sign."
According to the report, the North Dakota uninsured rate of 9.6% compares favorably with the national average of 14.6% percent. Statistically, North Dakota now ranks 11th in the nation in terms of having the fewest per capita uninsured by state, improving on the 2001 ranking of 17th in the nation.
Poolman says the decreasing uninsured population rate is due to a number of factors. "North Dakota employers deserve much credit for continuing to provide health benefits to their employees." Poolman said. He also credited the North Dakota Legislature for continuing support of the Children's Health Insurance Program and other programs that have increased accessibility of health insurance to low income families.
"This is good news, but there is still much work to do. Accessible health insurance has to continue to be a priority for all North Dakota officials." Poolman said.
