What's the Rush? Almost 5 Million Lose Insurance in 9 Months

[babylonsister]

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/22/756466/-Whats-the-Rush-Almost-5-Million-Lose-Insurance-in-9-Months

What's the Rush? Almost 5 Million Lose Insurance in 9 Months
by mcjoan

Wed Jul 22, 2009 at 04:18:04 PM PDT


To give added emphasis to the message we're likely to hear tonight from President Obama, that we've talked healthcare reform to death and now is the time to act, comes a new Gallup survey showing that nearly 5 million adult Americans lost their health insurance since September.

Sam Stein reports on the survey.

{Sixteen} percent of Americans over the age of 18 are currently without health insurance. That number reflects what the survey's authors describe as a "small but measurable uptick in the percentage of uninsured adults."

Indeed, the average number of uninsured adults recorded by Gallup in 2008 was 14.8 percent. In September 2008, the monthly total recorded was at a yearly low of 13.9 percent.

While the difference in percentage may seem small, the aggregate number of additional uninsured is vast.

According to 2007 U.S. Census data, the population of those 18 years or older stood at 228,196,823. By using that figure, in September of 2008, the number of uninsured adults would have totaled approximately 31.7 million. Today, the figure stands at 36.5 million -- meaning that 4.8 million adults have, in less than a year, lost their insurance coverage.

That could strengthen Speaker Pelosi's willingness to have the House work through August recess to get the job done. The larger question is whether it'll be enough to light a fire under Max Baucus's ass.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[timeforpeace]

2. Good point. Definitely not 9 months.

[enlightenment]

3. I've seen 2012 floating around, but I don't know for certain . . .

:(

[targetpractice]

4. I heard 4 years...

...from some Republican opposition on TV.

I wasn't paying attention to who said it, but that was their argument for "taking the time to get the legislation right"... because any reform would take 4 years to enact.

If true, that sucks big time.

[babylonsister]

6. So you complain about getting this done and the length of time

it will take? You might as well keep complaining then and not be at least a bit relieved someone wants to do something to improve the system.

Unless you just like to complain. Can't you at least acknowledge the obstacles in the way?

[targetpractice]

11. Your reply is a bit over the top...

I was asking asking a question, because I didn't know the correct answer.

Yes, 4 years sucks... but, I'm glad and grateful it's getting done.

I acknowledge the obstacles and challenges... Happy now?

[babylonsister]

5. It has to get passed first. And it hasn't. I think some forms will

be available faster than others. But it has to get passed.

Aren't you glad someone even cares?

[lumberjack_jeff]

9. The exchange won't be available until 2013.

I'm not sure when the expanded medicaid availability takes effect.

The new figures do show the importance and the urgency of reform. Unfortunately, the reform bill only recognizes the importance.

[JPZenger]

7. Even if passed today, system will take time to gear up

Many people will be set up for a disappointment. Even if the health care reform is passed this month, it will take a few years for all of the improvements to be phased in, as currently proposed.

[JPZenger]

8. Here's good article on the timeline - 2013

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/51284802.html

[lumberjack_jeff]

10. Excellent article, thanks for posting. n/t