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Friday, September 27, 2002

U.S. Chamber Calls News of 41.2 Million Uninsured Americans “A Disgrace” - Urges Action to Create More Employer Options on Health Plans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce called the news that the number of Americans without health insurance coverage topped 41 million people a disgrace.

“More than one million Americans were added to the ranks of those without health insurance coverage,” said Kate Sullivan, Chamber director of health care policy.  “When one of every seven of Americans lacks even the most basic coverage, it’s time for some creative problem-solving.”

The U.S. Census Bureau will release new data on the number of uninsured Americans on Monday, September 30 that shows an increase of 1.4 million uninsured people in 2001.  While almost two-thirds (62.6 percent) of Americans have employer-provided health insurance coverage, that number fell by one percent in 2001 after two years of solid gains.  The small business sector was the hardest hit, with almost all of the losses coming from businesses with fewer than 25 employees. 

“The last three to four years of double-digit increases in health care costs has been particularly hard on small business owners,” said Sullivan.  “Small business is an important indicator of our economic well-being – and these cutbacks show how much they are struggling.  It’s time to create more employer options for health plans and to give those who purchase coverage on their own the same tax advantages as those who receive it through their jobs.”

The Chamber supports pooled purchasing for small employers – along with equitable tax treatment for individuals who purchase their own health coverage and tax credits targeted to those with modest incomes – as the best tools to make health coverage more available and affordable and reduce the growing number of uninsured.  The Chamber opposes efforts to add new mandates and expand employers’ liability for the health coverage they voluntarily provide to their workforce.  Next year, the Chamber will partner with the AFL-CIO, AARP and other organizations urging action to cover the uninsured during a weeklong series of events March 10-16.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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