The Uninsured Numbers Are Bad, but Obamacare Can Make Them Worse

Robert Moffit / September 16, 2010

The Census Bureau’s annual snapshot out today shows there were 50.7 million, or 16.7 percent of the population, without health coverage in 2009. These numbers come as the nation experiences a growing shift from private health coverage to more expansive public health programs.

Given today’s high rates of unemployment and the fact that most Americans get health insurance through their employers, the increased number of uninsureds comes as no surprise. The exodus from job-based insurance will only escalate under Obamacare.

The CMS actuary estimates that, under the president’s system, approximately 14 million Americans will lose or be moved out of their existing job-based coverage, and be enrolled in government-based plans. The new Census data shows the percentage of people in private insurance (63.9 percent) at a record low, while those in government health programs (30.6 percent) are at a record high. (more…)