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\nOverall the number of uninsured Pennsylvanians increased by 11 percent from 2011 to 2012, while nationally the number decreased by 1.4 percent.<\/p>\n
The numbers, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, reflect a troubling trend in health care insurance, which people traditionally received through their employer.<\/p>\n
"We continue to see a dangerous erosion of employer-based coverage," said Andy Carter, president and CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association that represents the interests of nearly 240 health facilities.<\/p>\n
"The number of Pennsylvanians covered by private, employer-based plans hit an all-time low of 59.5 percent in 2012," he said.<\/p>\n
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And that’s not solely because people are out of work, he added.<\/p>\n
"Three out of every 4 uninsured Pennsylvanians live in a household with at least one working adult, and nearly 4 out of 5 live in Pennsylvania’s suburban and rural regions," Mr. Carter said.<\/p>\n
The association has advocated for the expansion of Medicaid as outlined under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n