In the 2009 Stark Poll of six possible options health care was the second most frequently initiative. Driven by a decline in the economy, demand for free/sliding fee healthcare services has been increasing. However, safety net providers in Stark County are at or beyond capacity. The use of the emergency room for non-emergency health care continues to be a concern for the hospitals in Stark County.
More than 40,000 or about one out of every nine Stark County residents are without health insurance and there is an increasing number of individuals who are underinsured. Medical bankruptcies are a driving factor behind the increasing number of people seeking services at the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for adults to qualify for Medicaid due to income requirements. Of concern are individuals between the age of 30 and 64 with chronic medical problems who have difficulty maintaining employment but are not medically disabled. Even if an individual is Medicaid eligible, few healthcare providers, especially specialists, are willing to accept new Medicaid patients.
Having insurance does not guarantee easy access to affordable, quality care. Even among those with medical insurance, one out of every three Stark County residents lack dental, vision and mental health services coverage. Businesses that offer health insurance have increased the employee premium contribution and/or increased the deductible paid by the employee, often making medical coverage more difficult to afford.
Stark County Healthcare Resource Guide
Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Ohio Medicaid Reports
Bureau of Primary Health Care
Health Policy Institue of Ohio Presentation for Stark County
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