Christian Science Monitor Examines ‘Crisis Proportions’ of U.S. Middle Class Uninsured
The Christian Science Monitor today examines the growing number of uninsured Americans, which is reaching "crisis proportions" in the middle class. More than two million people lost their health insurance coverage over the past year, and that number is expected to increase as employers cut back or eliminate coverage due to rising health care costs. However, the Monitor reports there is "hope" that Congress may find a compromise solution to the problem after more than 10 years of "failed proposals and fierce turf battles" among those in the health care industry. While previous attempts at reform have been "thwarted" by "key players" in the health care industry -- doctors, hospitals, insurers and consumer advocates -- the Monitor reports that all sides agree on the need for reform. Also, employers, who face "spiraling" insurance costs, agree that "something must be done." The White House and Senate have each proposed funds to expand coverage, but there is not a consensus on how the funding should be spent. While some favor offering tax cuts to individuals to purchase coverage, others favor expanding Medicaid programs. Despite the disagreements on how to solve the problem, the Monitor reports that all the "major stakeholders" agree that action must be taken soon "to prevent an even greater health care crisis" (Marks, Christian Science Monitor, 4/3).
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