46 Million Americans Don't Have Health Insurance

One of the figures we here most often in the health care debate is that there are 46 million Americans who don't have health insurance. But is this number true? Where did it come from and what does it really mean?

According to Politifact, this statistic traces back to the U.S. Census Bureau, who released data each year on the number of uninsured, and who placed the latest numbers at 45.7 million American without health insurance right now. Some have criticized this health care data, saying it is not precisely measured, and includes millions of people who are not full US citizens. but even if its only 20 or 30 million, that is sstill far too many people who do not have the health coverage they need when they get sick and need to go to a doctor or hospital, or get a prescription for the medicine they need.

46 Million Americans Don't Have Health Insurance
politifact

It's a statistic often quoted by Democrats during the health care debate: 46 million people without health insurance. "Now, health insurance reform is one of those pillars that we need to build up that new foundation," said President Barack Obama at a town hall in New Hampshire. "I don't have to explain to you that nearly 46 million Americans don't have health insurance coverage today. In the wealthiest nation on Earth, 46 million of our fellow citizens have no coverage...

46 Million Americans Don't Have Health Insurance