How many people are uninsured or underinsured?
According to US Census Bureau data, more than 47 million people in America are uninsured. At least 17 million adults are underinsured, meaning their insurance does not adequately protect them against catastrophic health care expenses. [Source: Banthin JS, Bernard DM. Changes in financial burdens for health care: National estimates for the population younger than 65 years, 1996 to 2003. JAMA 2006; 296: 2712-19.] In addition, one in ten cancer patients under age 65 does not have health insurance. [Source: Thorpe KE, Howard D. Health insurance and spending among cancer patients. Health Aff. 2003; W3-189.
According to US Census Bureau data, nearly 46 million people in America are uninsured. At least 25 million adults are underinsured, meaning their insurance does not adequately protect them against catastrophic health care expenses. In addition, one in ten cancer patients under age 65 do not have health insurance (Thorpe KE, Howard D. Health insurance and spending among cancer patients. Health Aff. 2003; W3-189).
