Tax credits are best approach for uninsured

Now is the time to lay the groundwork for passage of such a proposal next year.

Editorial. June 14, 2004.

The toll of America's health insurance access problem manifests itself in many ways. The nation's nearly 44 million uninsured residents are less likely to get the medical care they need, more than half don't have a personal doctor, and they routinely forgo preventive services. These people often live sicker and die younger.

When they do get care, it frequently goes unpaid for, putting a strain on the health care system. This year, the financial tally of uncompensated care is estimated at $40.7 billion, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. About 18% of that care is provided by physicians, many of whom are already struggling with low managed care payments, rising liability insurance premiums and government reimbursement that isn't keeping pace with rising costs.

These problems and their impact both on health and the health care system were the focus last month of "Cover the Uninsured Week," designed to raise awareness of the issue among policy-makers and the public. More than 2,000 events took place nationwide, and the American Medical Association was among the participants. It was the largest mobilization devoted to obtaining affordable health insurance for all Americans, according to the effort's sponsor, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.