New uninsured figures: A powerful reminder

As the tally of the uninsured continues to grow, the need for both short- and long-term action is more acute.

Editorial. Sept. 25, 2006.

The numbers are in: 46.6 million Americans were without health insurance in 2005 -- an increase of 1.3 million over the previous year, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

This reality is faced by 15.9% of Americans, including 8.3 million children. It represents a population more than five times that of New York City. This annual tally serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's reluctance to confront this growing problem and of the toll from that inaction.

Physicians experience its impact firsthand. They see the very sick patients who skipped needed medical treatment and preventive services because they had no insurance and who, statistics say, are more likely to die younger than their insured counterparts. Physicians also carry the financial burden -- costs estimated at an average of $2,000 a week -- that accompanies the uncompensated care they provide.

All of this is why the American Medical Association has long emphasized the need to treat the health system's ills.

The AMA has pressed for short-term measures to expand coverage for children and lower-income families and individuals. In the long term, the AMA has advocated for expanded coverage and choice through a system of refundable tax credits based on income, individually selected and owned health insurance, and market reforms that will enhance new, affordable insurance options.