Number of Uninsured, Poverty Rate Both Climb
Dateline: August 30, 2004
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that the number of uninsured Americans rose by 1.4 million to 15.6 percent, or 45 million, in 2003, up from 15.2 percent in 2002, the third straight annual increase. Meanwhile, the nation?s poverty rate also climbed to 12.5 percent last year, from 12.1 percent in 2002.
The Census Bureau largely attributed the decline in insurance coverage rates to the drop in coverage from employment-based health plans, partially offset by increases in government health coverage.
Employment-based health insurance coverage fell 0.9 percentage points between 2002 and 2003, while Medicare coverage increased 0.2 percentage points.
The proportion of uninsured children remained at 11.4 percent of all children, or 8.4 million, in 2003, but children in poverty were more likely to be uninsured than all children, 19.2 percent compared with 11.4 percent, according to the Census Bureau. Hispanic children, at 21.0 percent, were more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic White, Black, or Asian children. The Census income, poverty and health insurance data came from the bureau?s Current Population Survey, which is conducted in February, March and April at about 100,000 addresses nationwide.
In reaction to these figures, Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the American Public Health Association stated, ?The issue is getting worse, not better. How many more studies and reports do we need showing the rise in the uninsured before we take action? Solving the crisis should be a top priority for our elected leaders.?
To address the issue, Dr. Benjamin urged the establishment of universal health insurance coverage for everyone in the United States with comprehensive benefits, affordable prices and quality services.
?With 45 million Americans now estimated to be uninsured, a targeted, systematic approach to addressing the needs of those without health insurance is absolutely critical,? said Blue Cross Blue Shield Association President and CEO Scott P. Serota. ?We need thoughtful, tailored approaches that address the diverse needs of the uninsured.?
While the uninsured is a varied group, noted Serota, individuals generally fall into three overarching categories: those eligible but not enrolled in existing government programs; the middle and upper income; and the lower income. Within these three broad categories are key segments ? such as small employers, part-time and temporary workers and young adults ? that need specially designed strategies to assure that coverage can be obtained.
Blue Cross Blue Shield suggested several options would help lower income individuals purchase coverage, including three tax credits: credits for small employers with low-wage workers; credits for individuals with premiums that represent a relatively large percentage of their incomes; and tax credits for the unemployed, modeled after the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act subsidies. In addition, the SCHIP program would be expanded to cover all individuals below poverty and states would be encouraged to pay the premium for these individuals to enroll in their employer?s health plan.
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that the number of uninsured Americans rose by 1.4 million to 15.6 percent, or 45 million, in 2003, up from 15.2 percent in 2002, the third straight annual increase. Meanwhile, the nation?s poverty rate also climbed to 12.5 percent last year, from 12.1 percent in 2002.
The Census Bureau largely attributed the decline in insurance coverage rates to the drop in coverage from employment-based health plans, partially offset by increases in government health coverage.
Employment-based health insurance coverage fell 0.9 percentage points between 2002 and 2003, while Medicare coverage increased 0.2 percentage points.
The proportion of uninsured children remained at 11.4 percent of all children, or 8.4 million, in 2003, but children in poverty were more likely to be uninsured than all children, 19.2 percent compared with 11.4 percent, according to the Census Bureau. Hispanic children, at 21.0 percent, were more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic White, Black, or Asian children. The Census income, poverty and health insurance data came from the bureau?s Current Population Survey, which is conducted in February, March and April at about 100,000 addresses nationwide.
In reaction to these figures, Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the American Public Health Association stated, ?The issue is getting worse, not better. How many more studies and reports do we need showing the rise in the uninsured before we take action? Solving the crisis should be a top priority for our elected leaders.?
To address the issue, Dr. Benjamin urged the establishment of universal health insurance coverage for everyone in the United States with comprehensive benefits, affordable prices and quality services.
?With 45 million Americans now estimated to be uninsured, a targeted, systematic approach to addressing the needs of those without health insurance is absolutely critical,? said Blue Cross Blue Shield Association President and CEO Scott P. Serota. ?We need thoughtful, tailored approaches that address the diverse needs of the uninsured.?
While the uninsured is a varied group, noted Serota, individuals generally fall into three overarching categories: those eligible but not enrolled in existing government programs; the middle and upper income; and the lower income. Within these three broad categories are key segments ? such as small employers, part-time and temporary workers and young adults ? that need specially designed strategies to assure that coverage can be obtained.
Blue Cross Blue Shield suggested several options would help lower income individuals purchase coverage, including three tax credits: credits for small employers with low-wage workers; credits for individuals with premiums that represent a relatively large percentage of their incomes; and tax credits for the unemployed, modeled after the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act subsidies. In addition, the SCHIP program would be expanded to cover all individuals below poverty and states would be encouraged to pay the premium for these individuals to enroll in their employer?s health plan.
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