Rise In Uninsured Renews
Coverage Debate
October 3, 2003 - The number of uninsured Americans
grew by 2.4 million to 43.6 million in 2002, according to
a Sept. 30 U.S. Census Bureau report. The news promptly renewed
the debate over how to cover the uninsured.
Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.),
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee,
are exploring the possibility of expanding eligibility for
the health insurance tax credit enacted in the Trade Act of
2002. Currently the tax credit applies to workers who lost
jobs due to trade-related issues. They are discussing an expansion
to include all workers receiving unemployment compensation.
Fellow Finance Committee member Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) also
supported such an expansion but argued that uninsured workers
with jobs should have a similar option. Sen. Snowe also suggested
SCHIP expansions for certain parents and pregnant women.
Also in response to the report, House Ways and Means Committee
Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) agreed with the Trade Act
proposal and also argued that the tax-related provisions in
the House-passed Medicare package (H.R.
1) would help uninsured Americans purchase coverage (e.g.,
expanded MSAs). Ways and Means Minority Ranking Member Charles
Rangel (D-N.Y.) strongly disagreed, arguing that only wealthier
Americans could afford to fund their healthcare costs via
an MSA. Mr. Rangel also criticized the Administration for
failing to address the issue of the uninsured. HHS Secretary
Tommy Thompson responded that the Administration's HIFA waivers
were allowing states to expand their Medicaid and SCHIP programs
by restructuring the benefit and eligibility guidelines. Secretary
Thompson also argued that the Administration continues to
support expanded aid for Community Health Centers and the
creation of association health plans.
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Analyst
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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