According to a recent report by the Center for American Progress, an estimated 4 million additional Americans have lost their health insurance and 2 million have become uninsured since the recession began. The recent turmoil in the job market is likely increasing the number of uninsured at the rate of 14,000 a day. And yet, congressional conservatives opposed efforts to stop the erosion of our health care system and help millions of Americans hold on to the coverage they have or get it for the first time.
The report exposes the dire situation of millions of Americans:
Even when the economy was growing, 46 million people in America did not have any health insurance. Since the recession began, an estimated 4 million additional Americans have lost their health insurance and 2 million have become uninsured. The recent turmoil in the job market is likely increasing the number of uninsured at the rate of 14,000 a day. And yet, congressional conservatives opposed efforts to stop the erosion of our health care system and help millions of Americans hold on to the coverage they have or get it for the first time.
Obama to the rescue
14,000 losing healthcare coverage per day
President Obama was very big on health care reform during his campaign. Now that he is President, all eyes are set on him to reform the health care system in the United States. With the recent stimulus bill signed into law, the President has already began work on his plans to overhaul the nation’s health care system. $20 billion has been earmarked to modernize the nation’s health care system by encouraging a move toward computerized records. $1 billion is to be channeled into research comparing the effectiveness of medical treatments. $25 billion is to be allocated to help laid-off workers pay health insurance premiums under the COBRA program. The largest provision in the legislation involves funding Medicaid with an additional $87 billion.
Economic crisis versus Health care reform
Addressing the economic crisis facing the United States requires action on many fronts, including boosting economic activity, restoring the financial services industry to health, and addressing the rising tide of home foreclosures. The crisis of the uninsured is another urgent economic challenge. Congress has already moved rapidly to shore up coverage for millions of families. Now, the time is right for health reform that covers everyone and reduces the growth of health care costs.
Download the full report.
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The chart is devastating – to U.S. and to each of them.
What you may find odd, however, is that insurance losses do not track job losses, being obviously much less.
What we need to remember is that while job losses in industries like autos, where the UAW contracts provide/require health insurance coverage…, MOST jobs 40%, and job creation, are in “small business”, which seldom can find or afford health coverage for their workers.
Also, most part time and temporary employees are not covered, AND are the first to be laid off.
Sadly, since most job creation is also by small business, when and if the economy does turn around, the newly hired most likely will not re-acquire any health coverage. SO, the picture will get much worse, unless…
my heart goes out to those who are suffering and I am thankful for what I have.