Forty-five million nonelderly Americans were uninsured in 2007, and that was before the recession wiped out scores of jobs. Most laid-off workers likely lost their health insurance along with their incomes, and private coverage costs too much for many families to buy. And as medical costs soar, the price tag on promised Medicaid benefits is reaching unsustainable levels. These distress signals have put health care reform high on the president's and policymakers' agendas.
As more Americans become uninsured, enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will rise—driving up state expenses just as revenues are declining. Urban Institute researchers estimate that, if unemployment hits 10 percent, 5.8 million more people will be uninsured, 5.4 million would enroll in Medicaid and SCHIP, and 13.2 million would lose their employer-sponsored insurance.
The Urban Institute compiles detailed state and national data on insurance coverage and analyzes Medicare, Medicaid, and health care reform options.
Publications
The Urban Institute disseminates many health care research publications.
