Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on a Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) state-by-state analysis on people living without health insurance.  Today’s report, based on new numbers from the U.S. Census, shows a dramatic increase in Michigan, where more than 1.2 million residents had no health insurance in 2008.  That’s up 1.3 percent from the previous year and does not include thousands of people who have lost their jobs—and with that, their employer-sponsored coverage—in 2009 as Michigan’s unemployment surged past 15 percent (as of today 15.2 percent).  Nationwide, the Census shows the number of uninsured increased from 39.8 million in 2001 to 46.3 million in 2008.

“To many Americans, the ‘uninsured’ is someone else.  But with skyrocketing costs and irresponsible insurance company practices, it is evident anyone can lose their insurance.  But both the unemployed and employed are losing their insurance.  In fact, the proportion of workers in Michigan without insurance increased from 11.1 percent in 2001 to 14.8 percent in 2008.  In total, 698,000 individuals put in a hard day’s work in Michigan, yet don’t receive the health care benefits many take for granted. 

“Health insurance insecurity is not just a problem for poorer Americans, but one that touches those in all income brackets.  In Michigan alone, an additional 94,000 people from high-income households are now uninsured. 

“This is exactly why health reform is needed—the current system is failing millions of Americans who depend upon employer-sponsored health insurance for coverage.  As the lead sponsor of H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, I am fighting against the status quo and insurance lobbyists to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable health insurance.  Action is needed now—if we wait another year, millions more of our friends and neighbors will lose their health insurance.”

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