Uninsured

THE UNINSURED

The number of uninsured Americans has remained at almost 46 million. The growing lack of health coverage has serious health and economic consequences for individuals and society. In fact, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has estimated that the number of uninsured accounts for 18,000 unnecessary deaths each year and that 65 percent of the cost of health care for the uninsured is borne by the taxpayers through subsidies to hospitals and clinics. Several efforts have been undertaken with respect to access to health coverage, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), public health expansion and coverage, an exchange or connector option, tax code approaches, and mandates. Another critical piece of the uninsured equation is to allow states to have more flexibility to use public program dollars in the most effective manner possible, as well as work to leverage existing dollars available for health coverage. Additionally, it is important to improve the existing public/private partnership structure to cover as many individuals in need as possible. At the outset of the 21st century when healthcare quality and innovation are at an all-time high, there has never been a better opportunity to find a solution to cover the uninsured.

[Uninsured] [Background] [Q & A] [Talking Points]