The number of Americans without health insurance has risen by more than two million since 2005 and among them are 700,000 more uninsured children, the U.S. Census Bureau has announced.
The new figures drew ire from many who said the announcement outlines the urgency to refund the State Children's Health Insurance Program, expected to expire Sept. 30.
In a consolidated 2006 report on income, poverty and health insurance coverage - the latest information available - the Census Bureau said the percentage of uninsured Americans has increased from 44.8 million in 2005 to 47 million in 2006.
Additionally, the Bureau found:
- The percentage of the population who are uninsured rose to 15.8 percent in 2006, up from 15.3 percent in 2005
- More children are uninsured - There are 8.7 million children reported uninsured in 2006, up from 8 million in 2005
- The percentage and the number of children under 18 years old without health insurance increased to 11.7 percent in 2006 from 10.9 percent in 2005
- Children in poverty were reported with an uninsured rate in 2006 at 19.3 percent and are more likely to be uninsured than all children.
Jeanne Lambrew, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, was among those that said the numbers underscore the need to expand and reform SCHIP.
"(The report) exposes the neglect and misguided policies of this administration," Lambrew said. "The new census numbers are not surprising, but are devastating for the millions without coverage and the millions more at risk for losing it."
Joseph Heyman, MD, board member of the American Medical Association, said it is unconscionable that the number of uninsured children has substantially increased over the past year.
"Recent congressional action to renew the federal health care program for kids is a critical step to ensure parents who work hard, but aren't able to afford health insurance, are able to get their kids healthcare coverage." Heyman said.
Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) said today's Census numbers show that now is the time for Congress and the states to act to ensure that all Americans have access to healthcare coverage.
"Forty-seven million Americans cannot afford to wait until after the next election to address this critical issue," Ignagni said. "Congress can take an important first step by reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides a vital healthcare safety net for low-income children."
Last November, AHIP issued a comprehensive proposal to expand access to healthcare coverage to all Americans.