(Circulation. 2001;104:e9035.)
© 2001 American Heart Association, Inc.
Cardiovascular News
Circulation Newswriter
US Uninsured Rate at 14%, but Bush Administration Prepares for Many to Lose Insurance
The robust US economy in the year 2000 combined with a boost in government programs to cover children and the indigent dropped the numbers of uninsured Americans to 14%, or 38.7 million, compared with 14.3%, or 39.3 million, in 1999, according to figures released by the US Census Bureau. However, the current economic problems demonstrated by the crisis on Wall Street and exacerbated by the woes that followed the tragedies at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon promise to increase the uninsured rolls to new highs in the years 2001 and 2002.
The increase in insurance rates in the year 2000 was led by jumps in employment-based insurance. However, anticipating a rising rate of unemployment, President Bush has asked Congress to approve $3 billion in "emergency grants" to states to help individuals affected by the September 11 attacks. That includes providing subsidies to help the unemployed maintain their health insurance. The President has also asked for a stimulus plan worth many billion dollars that will also cover the payment of insurance premiums covered under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). Bush also proposed allowing the states access to unused funds in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to help the uninsured.
Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, a patient-advocacy group, said, "We are pleased that President Bush recognized the need for providing health coverage assistance to recently unemployed workers and their families. Unfortunately, the President’s proposal is less than half a loaf and hardly constitutes