August 29, 2008...12:08 am

Under-covered

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Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau released the latest figures on the number of uninsured Americans (click here for details). Based on 2007 population estimates, the number of uninsured has declined from 47 million to just under 45.7 million, a decline from 15.8% of the population to 15.3%.”>U.S. Census Bureau released the latest figures on the number of uninsured Americans. Based on 2007 population estimates, the number of uninsured has declined from 47 million to just under 45.7 million, a decline from 15.8% of the population to 15.3%.

This sounds like good news, but a look into the numbers reveals a different story. Residents who gained insurance coverage can mostly be attributed to an increase in the number qualifying for public programs such as Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California). In other words, because of lost jobs and declining wages, a greater number of Americans have fallen into poverty, therefore qualifying for public coverage.

Is this really progress?

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  • CHAP provides dental care on a sliding fee basis. Most of our clients are uninsured. There are programs that may pay for part of your care depending on your income level. If you are in the Pasadena area, you may contact the CHAP dental clinic at 626-398-5970.


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