The Problem

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The Uninsured

45 million Americans lack health insurance, an increase of 5.4 million from 2000 to 2003. 81% of uninsureds reside in households with at least one employed family member. 43% of businesses do not offer health insurance. 55% of businesses with fewer than 50 employees do not offer health insurance. 5.2 million fewer non-elderly uninsured were offered employer sponsored insurance in 2003 than 2000.

Since 2000, premiums for family coverage have increased by 59%, compared with inflation growth of 9.7% and wage growth of 12.3%. Businesses offering coverage have significantly declined from 65% in 2001 to 61% in 2004. 3% of firms recently surveyed report they are very likely to drop health coverage benefits for their employees in the near future.

Problems for Families Inability to pay hospital bills throws an increasing number of families into bankruptcy. More than 50% of US bankruptcies are due to medical expenses affecting 2 million Americans every year, an increase of more than 30-fold since 1981. Families lack dignity with no health insurance card to show at hospital admission and are less likely to seek medical care. Family members are unable to build tenure with their employer as they continually search for a new job to find health coverage.

Problems for Businesses Cost, cost, cost!! Group health insurance premiums in 2004 averaged $3,189 or more than $1.50/hour for employee, and $8,469 or more than $4.00/hour for family. Business owners experience increased turnover and find it difficult to recruit talent when unable to offer health coverage. The health of the employee base is compromised.

Problems for Hospitals $41 billion in uncompensated healthcare services were provided by America’s hospitals and doctors in 2003. 8¢ of every $1 is collected on average by hospitals caring for the uninsured. More people are losing insurance coverage with continued price increases in health benefits. Uncompensated healthcare costs are exploding and expected to climb in coming years.