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High number of uninsured hits home for many Americans

AMA reiterates call for action and asks patients to share their voices

For immediate release
August 26, 2008

Statement attributable to:
Nancy Nielsen, MD
AMA President

"As our nation continues to face a crisis of about 46 million uninsured, many Americans need to look no further than their own families and friends, or neighbors to find someone without health insurance. The uninsured problem does not discriminate; it affects each and every one of us, and everyone deserves better than the status quo. As members of Congress and presidential candidates gather at the conventions, it is vital that they address this important issue.

"Many patients don't have access to needed health care as the economy's health declines. Employer-based health insurance is no longer an option for many workers and their families, as employment-based coverage continued to decline in 2007, dropping to 59.3 percent. Americans need more affordable, portable health insurance options.

"U.S. health care spending continues to climb, driving up premiums, and pricing many patients out of coverage. Uninsured patients often don't get the preventive care they need leading to more difficult and more costly conditions to treat. A good first step to address health care costs is to cover all Americans, ensuring they have better access to health care.

"The AMA proposal to cover the uninsured is a public and private approach that will make needed changes to today's system. We advocate for a shift in tax incentives for health insurance so lower-income Americans get money to purchase coverage. We also want insurance market reforms to provide individuals more choices and ensure coverage for high-risk patients.

"All Americans need to get involved in the health care coverage debate, and the American Medical Association is providing them with the opportunity through our Voice For The Uninsured campaign. Patients can share their voice and find out more information about the AMA proposal at the Voice for the Uninsured Web site or view our new online advertising campaign at the U.S. News & World Report Web site.

For more information on the Voice For The Uninsured campaign or to see the details of the AMA's proposal to cover the uninsured, visit: www.VoiceForTheUninsured.org.

For more information, please contact:
Mollie Turner Media Relations (202) 789-7430

About the American Medical Association:
The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of medicine.