Census Bureau Tweaks Uninsured Data, but Number of

Revised 2005 Census Bureau Number of Uninsured Is Larger than the

The Census Bureau announced today they are revising their estimates of the number of uninsured Americans for years 1995 through 2005. The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, about this revision:

“The 44.8 million people who were uninsured in 2005 represents a larger number of people than the combined populations of 24 states and the District of Columbia. Since the number of uninsured people is more than the cumulative population of almost half the states in the U.S., it is high time that expanded health coverage for the uninsured becomes a top priority for national action.

“In fact, even though the Census Bureau has revised its totals, the important thing to keep in mind is that the number of uninsured Americans continues to rise from year to year. With health insurance premiums rising nationally more than six times faster than family earnings, it is clear that more and more people are joining the ranks of the uninsured. 

“This year, when the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) comes up for reauthorization, Congress and the President have a unique opportunity to expand health coverage for all of America’s children. This would be a good first step toward providing everyone with high-quality, affordable health coverage.”  
 

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org