WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF ADULTBASIC - PENNSYLVANIA'S INNOVATIVE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM FOR UNINSURED ADULTS

HARRISBURG, May 8, 2002 - - State Senator Connie Williams today announced that "AdultBasic" - - Pennsylvania’s newest health insurance program to help thousands of uninsured adult Pennsylvanians obtain health-care coverage, will take effect July 1, 2002.

The program is funded this year with $76 million from the National Tobacco Settlement.

"AdultBasic is going to make a difference in the lives of thousands of hard-working Pennsylvanians because it’s real insurance coverage," Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) said.

"Adults who use AdultBasic are no longer going to decide between groceries or their health care."

Pennsylvanians who sign up for AdultBasic will receive their benefits through Capital Blue Cross and Pennsylvania Blue Shield.

"As many as 40,000 Pennsylvanians will benefit from this new program," Williams said.

"AdultBasic promotes access to quality care by providing basic health insurance to Pennsylvania citizens age 19 through 64 who need it but cannot afford it."

AdultBasic is intended to provide transitional health insurance for adults who have incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, who have had jobs that do not include health benefits or who are in between jobs.

Benefits offered through the program include: preventive care, physician services, diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, inpatient hospitalization, outpatient services, and emergency accident and emergency medical care.

The applicant must have residence in Pennsylvania for at least 90 days. The cost to the individual will be about $30 per month.

For more information on AdultBasic, please call Sen. Williams’ office at (610) 992-9790 or call 1-800-GO-BASIC.