Media Release

FOR: Immediate release
DATE: May 29, 1998
CONTACT: Dr. Jay Buechner, 401 222-4931, ext 112

Uninsured Rhode Islanders Increase (1990-1996);
Health Department Points to Decline in Private Insurance

The Department of Health is releasing new findings on Rhode Islanders without health insurance. The results of the 1996 Health Interview Survey on insurance coverage and the uninsured in Rhode Island will be the subject of a presentation at the Department of Health on Monday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m.

The Health Interview Survey was a telephone inquiry reaching 6,583 Rhode Islanders in 2,580 households. It is an update of a similar survey done in 1990.

Health Director Dr. Patricia A. Nolan stated, "This survey yields important information about the health of the population in our state. It also identifies which segments of the population are at greatest risk for not having health insurance."