More than 25 million Americans with health insurance did
not have sufficient coverage to cover their medical expenses
in 2007, according to a study released Tuesday in the journal
Health Affairs. The study found that the number of underinsured
-- people who have some health insurance, but still spend
more than 10 percent of their income on out-of-pocket medical
expenses -- has jumped 60 percent in the past four years.
Study coauthor Cathy Schoen and Health Affairs editor
and former NewsHour health correspondent Susan Dentzer discuss
the new study.
Read the full report on the underinsured [Health Affairs]
Background Report: Number of Underinsured Grows as Insurance Premiums Rise
Filmmaker Michael
Moore says that he wants his new documentary, "Sicko," to help launch
a movement for a universal health care system in the United States. NewsHour health
correspondent Susan Dentzer reports on the film's criticism of the health care
and insurance industries, and the debate it has sparked.
January 29, 2008 California Senate Rejects Health Care Bill, Citing Costs
A California Senate committee voted 7 to 1 Monday to reject a bill by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that would have covered millions of uninsured Californians, ending the hopes of advocates that it would provide a model for national health care reform. November 2, 2007 Oregon
Seeks Tobacco Tax to Fund Child Health Insurance
Oregon voters are considering
a state-wide ballot measure that would raise the state tobacco tax
to 85 cents per pack to raise money for children's health insurance. Lee Hochberg
reports on the plan's reception in Oregon. August 28, 2007 Number
of Uninsured Hits New High, Census Shows
The number of uninsured Americans rose to a high of 47 million in 2006, according
to new Census Bureau numbers. In 2005, 44.8 million were uninsured. The 2006 numbers
represent the highest percentage of uninsured Americans -- 15.8 percent -- since
1998.