This brief synthesizes the compelling research evidence linking health insurance coverage to good health outcomes for both adults and children.

In Texas, as in other states, the proliferation of niche hospitals has raised concern about the potential financial impact of these hospitals on full-service general hospitals. This report compares the financial status of physician-owned niche hospitals and general hospitals in Texas, analyzes...

Examines the relationship between rising Medicare risk and Medicare+Choice enrollment and the claims experience reported by Medigap insurers between 1996 and 1999. Concludes that adverse selection into Medicare HMOs has probably reduced average medical claims in standard Medigap plans, with a...

Describes the Medigap market in 1999, both nationally and by state, and compares the national profile in 1999 with that in 1997 to show how the market is changing. Notes that one third of all Medigap policies were pre-standard in 1999, and standard forms F, C, and B accounted for 48 percent of...

Ninety-five percent of nonelderly people in Minnesota had health insurance in 2001, relating in part to widespread employer-sponsored coverage. However, this study finds that five state-sponsored programs are important partners in this achievement, providing coverage for low-income children and...