For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 10/04/02

The Growing Number Of Uninsured Americans Could Threaten The Economy 

The growing number of uninsured Americans could make the economy less productive and threaten a recovery, says Dr. Robert Field, director of the health policy program and associate professor of health policy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. “Unless Congress begins to seriously address this issue, the prognosis could be bleak,” he adds.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that almost 15% of Americans lacked coverage during 2001, an increase over the rate in 2000 after a decline in 1999. “People without insurance have less access to care and are more likely to be sick,” says Dr. Field. “The economy needs healthy workers. Both parties have argued about solutions since before the rise and fall of the Clinton plan in 1994. An unhealthy workforce is not just bad for the workers, it is bad for everyone.”

Dr. Field says that the growing number of uninsured Americans results from several factors, including the economic downturn and the recent rise in health care costs. Some factors may rectify themselves over time, but others, such as the economy, are more difficult to gauge. He feels the problem will not go away without some form of legislation.“

The two parties have been walking on opposite sides of the fence on this issue,” says Dr. Field. “When will they decide to meet up? President Bush and other Republicans tend to favor tax credits to make insurance more affordable. Democrats tend to favor more direct government programs. The goals are the same, and there is a large middle ground. We desperately need real leadership on this issue to strike meaningful compromises.”

Dr. Field believes the political landscape may once again be right for Congress to consider the issue of uninsured Americans. The failure of the Clinton plan made many politicians reluctant to revisit the issue, but the stakes are getting higher. “With biodefense among the nation’s key concerns, how will we pay to treat the sick and injured on the front lines?” asks Dr. Field. To arrange an interview with Dr. Field, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186 or email: j.martin@usip.edu.

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