Ohio Health Policy Institute Completes 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey

 The Ohio Health Policy Institute has completed the 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey. The survey shows that the number of uninsured Ohioans ages 18-64 has increased by two percent, now at 17% since the last survey was completed in 2004. The survey also found that more children were insured last year than four years earlier, but insurance coverage dropped for adults age 18 to 64.

The Ohio Department of Insurance commented on the study noting that it showed the need for health insurance changes. ODI noted that of the proposals included within the Governor’s budget, one of the most effective changes would reform Ohio’s individual open enrollment programs. With these changes, actuarial studies estimate that up to 52,000 more Ohioans will get health coverage. The budget proposal also requests that, in group policies, companies be required to expand dependent child coverage up to age 29 and extend the state tax deduction for employer sponsored coverage to all family and dependent coverage. Actuarial studies show that over 21,000 more Ohioans will get health coverage through this change. The Governor’s budget, as submitted to the legislature, also requires employers to offer to uninsured employees the opportunity to purchase coverage with pre-tax dollars through Section 125 cafeteria plans, saving up to 40% off the cost of coverage. Over 37,000 more Ohioans will get health coverage with this change.

The Ohio Family Health Survey was conducted by Macro International, a subsidiary of InfoUSA, headquartered in Calverton, MD. The project was managed by The Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center at The Ohio State University, with a contract for project leadership and technical support from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio. Funding sponsors include the Ohio Department of Insurance, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Mental Health, the Cleveland State University, and the Ohio Board of Regents. To view a summary of the study you can follow the link below – log on as a guest to obtain the information at the site – go to http://ofhs.webexone.com/default.asp?link=%2Fdocs%2Fdocapp%2Easpx%3F%5Fcommand%3Dlist%26fid%3D%2D2