According to a recent report by the Center for American Progress, an estimated 4 million additional Americans have lost their health insurance and 2 million have become uninsured since the recession began. The recent turmoil in the job market is likely increasing the number of uninsured at the rate of 14,000 a day. And yet, congressional conservatives opposed efforts to stop the erosion of our health care system and help millions of Americans hold on to the coverage they have or get it for the first time.

The report exposes the dire situation of millions of Americans:

Even when the economy was growing, 46 million people in America did not have any health insurance. Since the recession began, an estimated 4 million additional Americans have lost their health insurance and 2 million have become uninsured. The recent turmoil in the job market is likely increasing the number of uninsured at the rate of 14,000 a day. And yet, congressional conservatives opposed efforts to stop the erosion of our health care system and help millions of Americans hold on to the coverage they have or get it for the first time.

Obama to the rescue

14,000 losing healthcare coverage per day

President Obama was very big on health care reform during his campaign. Now that he is President, all eyes are set on him to reform the health care system in the United States. With the recent stimulus bill signed into law, the President has already began work on his plans to overhaul the nation’s health care system. $20 billion has been earmarked to modernize the nation’s health care system by encouraging a move toward computerized records. $1 billion is to be channeled into research comparing the effectiveness of medical treatments. $25 billion is to be allocated to help laid-off workers pay health insurance premiums under the COBRA program. The largest provision in the legislation involves funding Medicaid with an additional $87 billion.

Economic crisis versus Health care reform

Addressing the economic crisis facing the United States requires action on many fronts, including boosting economic activity, restoring the financial services industry to health, and addressing the rising tide of home foreclosures. The crisis of the uninsured is another urgent economic challenge. Congress has already moved rapidly to shore up coverage for millions of families. Now, the time is right for health reform that covers everyone and reduces the growth of health care costs.

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