Published Saturday, April 27, 2002
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Poor urged to sign up soon for 'adultBasic' insuranceBy Michael Roknick
Herald Business Editor
Charles LaVallee has advice for poor people seeking to get cheap health insurance through the state: Call now for an application or it could be too late.
A vice president at Highmark BlueCross/BlueShield, which is charged with offering the insurance to eligible western Pennsylvanians, LaVallee notes the insurance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Highmark is marketing the state-funded insurance through its The Caring Foundation, a non-profit organization that also determines eligibility for the program.
With the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance estimating 325,000 state residents will be eligible for the program but only 40,000 slots available, there's no time to lose, LaVallee added.
"People can call us and we'll send an application to their home which they can fill out in the privacy of their own home,'' he said. "We can also answer questions people may have and help them fill out the application.''
Pennsylvania unveiled the program earlier this week. Funds for the program, called "adultBasic,'' are from the tobacco settlement. Pennsylvania expects to get $11 billion from the settlement over the next 25 years. Each state has earmarked proceeds from the settlement for various programs, and Pennsylvania has opted to offer health insurance to low-income residents.
This is a golden opportunity, LaVallee said.
"How many times in life do you have the money and you have to find the people?'' he said.
To be eligible for "adultBasic" residents must:
Monthly cost for "adultBasic" is $30.
The program isn't meant for people who already have health insurance and are looking for a better deal.
"We don't want to have the insured moving around,'' LaVallee said. "The idea is to get the truly uninsured.''
Among the areas the insurance covers are: in-patient hospitalization, out-patient surgery, doctor visits, diagnostic services and maternity and general health care.
It's important to note the program does not offer prescription coverage.
Those with pre-existing illnesses are eligible.
Other out-of-pocket expenses under the program are:
Coverage is scheduled to begin July 1. LaVallee said he encourages social and religious organizations to order applications for their members.
For an application or questions call Highmark at: (800) 543-7105