A new report indicates that the rate of working-age adults in New York who have health coverage from their employer is decreasing while those receiving government assistance for coverage or going without is rising.

The report exploring U.S. Census data from 2004 to 2007 entitled “The Facts About Health Coverage in New York State” was recently released by Rochester, N.Y.-based Excellus BlueCross BlueShield prior to national Cover the Uninsured Week, March 22-28.

The report finds that the rate of employment-based coverage among New York state working-age adults (ages 18 to 64) declined from an average of 65.1% in 2004 and 2005 to an average of 63.7% in 2006 and 2007.

At the same time, New Yorkers receiving government-based coverage rose under 1% over the same time frame, but was 16.9% in 2006-2007, above the national average of 13.1%.

The number of uninsured adults rose nearly 1% from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007, from 17.4% to 18.1%, with the latter below the national average of 21.3%, according to the study.

The study also found disparities between upstate and downstate residents of New York.

In terms of adults accessing government-based coverage between 2005 and 2007, 14.2% lived upstate, while 17.7% lived downstate.  Downstate residents also showed higher rates of being uninsured at 19.5% as compared to upstate residents’ 14%.

To mark Cover the Uninsured Week, Excellus is planning free screenings to determine if upstate residents qualify for government-based health insurance plans, including Child Health Plus and Healthy New York.

“Our concern is that the worsening national economy will cause the ranks of the uninsured to grow even more,” said Kim Browning, vice president of government programs for Excellus, in a statement. “We hope our Cover the Uninsured Week events will help some people who are uninsured find a health plan that is right for them.”

At the free screenings, Excellus representatives, after evaluating individuals’ eligibility, can also help people complete the necessary paperwork.

Appointments are not needed. Excellus representatives will be at locations ranging from Greece, Monroe County in the west; Oneonta, Otsego County in the east; and Plattsburgh, Clinton County in the north.