Census Report: More People in U.S. without Health Insurance

Posted in Health Insurance

September 14th, 2009

A new report shows that the number of people living in the U.S. without health insurance rose from 45.7 million to 46.3 million between 2007 and 2008. This data, which was reported by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday,was collected by the housing and household economics statistics division in March 2008.

While these numbers don’t show a promising outlook for the current – yet soon to be short-lived – health care system, they were collected before the sharp economic downturn that occurred later that year; the one thatresulted in millions of jobs lost,and health insurance coverage being eliminated for many who were still employed. In other words, with millionsstill unemployed,numerousemployers still not offering coverage, andmost workersfrom thesecategories unable to afford insurance out of pocket,the numbers could be far worse when the statistics are released next year.

The news of these disappointing numbers falls right in line with the ongoing conflict in Congress as to what type of health care system is appropriate for the nation. President Obama spoke in an address to Congress on Wednesday night to plead for a consensus on revamping the health care system. However, many are still unsure that the plan he proposes is one that will be as effective as it is expensive since it is set at $900 billion over 10 years.

If the initiative that Obama proposes is approved, it promises to offer tax credits to make affording insurance easier, as well as protect policyholders so that they cannot be dropped due to the onset of an illness, or pre-existing conditions. However,new feeswill be imposed and thosenotobtaining coverage could be fined.A full report of the compromised bill is set to be announced as soon as next week.