FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2008
Statement on the Census Bureau Report Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007
For Immediate Release August 26, 2008
Contact: Kate Navarro-McKay 646-246-5906
The U.S. Census Bureau report released today included the encouraging news that the number of uninsured in the U.S. declined slightly in 2007 from 47 million to 45.7 million, but a deeper look at the trendlines shows much cause for concern.
2007 marked the end of an economic expansion, and 15.3% in America were still uninsured. At the end of the last economic expansion in 2000, 13.7% were uninsured -- 7.3 million fewer people than today.
It is also clear that there is an increasing dependence on public financing and safety net programs. Today's report shows the 2007 gains in coverage were due entirely to growth in government-sponsored programs, as enrollment in private insurance -- both individually purchased and employer-based -- continues to decline.
As more and more states face budget gaps because of the economic downturn, it is more vital than ever to ensure that they have support for the public programs that provide coverage during economically difficult times.
Overall, these findings confirm what healthcare providers and workers see every day. With 45.7 million still uninsured at the height of an economic expansion, America's healthcare system is failing our nation.
Children and adults without insurance lack sufficient access to primary and preventive care, and are at greater risk of missing vaccinations and checkups. Far too many end up in emergency rooms for expensive treatment of conditions that could have been far more effectively treated, at far less cost, had they received care sooner. In addition, this year the Institute of Medicine found that in 2006, the poor health and shorter lifespan of the uninsured cost the U.S. economy between $102 billion and $204 billion in lost productivity alone.
Today's Census Bureau report affirms the dire need for reliable and affordable access to health care coverage for all Americans within a reformed health care system that aggressively promotes improved quality and efficiency.
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About the Partnership for Quality Care
Launched in May 2007, the Partnership for Quality Care is a unique nationwide organization, a labor-management partnership of healthcare providers and healthcare workers. It includes more than 1 million workers, as well as public, private, religious, teaching and nonprofit hospitals and integrated health systems caring for more than 50 million patients annually.
