SURGE IN THE RANKS OF THE UNINSURED A NATIONAL DISGRACE

The rapid surge in the number of Americans without health coverage is a national disgrace.  The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 3.4 million more Americans were added to the ranks of the uninsured last year.  More than 43 million adults and children - 1 out of 7 Americans - had no health coverage in 2002.

These numbers, plus recent reports reflecting an increase in the number of individuals and families living in poverty, is a national wake-up call.  Michael D. Place, Catholic Health Association president, said, “We must demand that these trends end not in 10 years, but now,”

“The 2004 presidential campaign must be about how we, as a nation, finally tackle this national disgrace, and should not be held hostage to partisan bickering.  Being without health coverage is nonpartisan,” he argued.  “Being uninsured is an affront to human dignity.  Being forced to decide between seeking basic and preventative medical care or having adequate food or housing is a human tragedy - particularly in a nation as prosperous as ours.”

These numbers, plus recent reports reflecting an increase in the number of individuals and families living in poverty, is a national wake-up call. Michael D. Place, Catholic Health Association president, said, "We must demand that these trends end not in 10 years, but now,"

"The 2004 presidential campaign must be about how we, as a nation, finally tackle this national disgrace, and should not be held hostage to partisan bickering. Being without health coverage is nonpartisan," he argued. "Being uninsured is an affront to human dignity. Being forced to decide between seeking basic and preventative medical care or having adequate food or housing is a human tragedy - particularly in a nation as prosperous as ours."