3.5 million Illinoisans were uninsured in 2007-2008

From the Campaign for Better Health Care:

CHICAGO - A report released today for the Campaign for Better Health Care by Families USA found that approximately 3.5 million Illinoisans--30.8 percent of residents under age 65--were uninsured at some point of time during 2007-2008. In fact, 2.5 million of those uninsured Illinoisans, 72.5 percent of the total, were uninsured for six months or more during that time.

The Families USA report reveals additional important demographic information about uninsured individuals in Illinois:

* Nearly four out of five uninsured Illinoisans, or 78.7 percent, were in working families, working full- or part-time.
* More than half, or 53.9 percent, of those individuals and families in Illinois with incomes below twice the poverty line--$42,400 of annual income for a family of four in 2008--went without health insurance at some point in 2007-2008.
* In addition, over one in five, or 21.3 percent, of those individuals and families in Illinois with incomes at or above twice the poverty line--$42,400 of annual income for a family of four in 2008--went without health insurance at some point in 2007-2008.
* While whites accounted for the largest number of uninsured in Illinois, Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans were much more likely to be uninsured than whites: 50.7 percent of Hispanics/Latinos and 39.1 percent of African Americans went without health insurance in 2007-2008, compared to 24.5 percent of whites.

"Health care is the key to economic security and opportunity," said Jim Duffett, Executive Director of the Campaign for Better Health Care. "When the data show that almost 80% of Illinois' uninsured are from hard working families, it just underscores the grim reality that most of us are just one illness away from financial ruin. We call on the people of Illinois to send a clear and direct demand to our members of Congress that they must pass accessible, affordable, and guaranteed quality health care this year. No excuses!"

The situation is reflected nationwide. Approximately 86.7 million Americans--one out of three people (33.1 percent) under 65 years of age--were uninsured at some point during 2007-2008. The Families USA report is an essential supplement to commonly-used Census Bureau data, such as the 45.7 million people deemed to be uninsured for the entire 2007 calendar year.

"The huge number of people without health coverage in Illinois is worse than an epidemic," said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA. "At this point, almost everyone in the country has had a family member, neighbor, or friend who was uninsured--and that's why meaningful health care reform can no longer be kept on the back burner."

The Families USA report was based on data from the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey and the Survey of Income and Program Participation as well as the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey used by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. The data were compiled with the assistance of The Lewin Group, a distinguished health policy and data consulting firm.

Copies of the report are available online at the websites of the Campaign for Better Health Care and Families USA. Perspectives on this report from the labor community, provider community, and further comment from the Campaign for Better Health Care can be obtained through Kathleen Duffy at (312) 913-9449.