Census Bureau's Uninsured Number Indicates Third Increase in a Row

Total Number of Uninsured Increased Significantly Each Year under Bush Administration

The following is the statement of Kathleen Stoll, Health Policy Director of Families USA, about the Census Bureau's newly released findings that the number of uninsured Americans rose to 45 million during 2003:

"Last year's growth in the number of people without health coverage represents the third increase in a row. The number of uninsured Americans has grown significantly over the past three years, escalating from 41.2 million in 2001 to 45 million in 2003.

"The increase in the number of people without health coverage is the direct result of a stagnant economy, double-digit health care cost increases, and employers passing on more and more of those costs to their workers.

"Individuals struggling to rejoin the workforce and hardworking Americans in jobs that provide no health coverage are disillusioned with their inability to provide coverage for themselves and their families and are eager for solutions.

"The only silver lining in this year's report is that public programs - particularly Medicaid - covered more people last year and cushioned the loss of coverage in the private sector. This underscores the importance of protecting the Medicaid program."

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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.

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