Submitted by Ted DeCorte, M.A., Aug 29, 2007 14:45

Some of the uninsured are already eligible for public programs (25%). They need assist in connecting them with available resources. Others are uninsured but can afford coverage (20%). The majority of the uninsured (56%) though fall into a third category, fulltime workers who earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to afford health insurance.

75% of all uninsured individuals will be covered under a health insurance plan within 12 months of first becoming uninsured. Only 2.5% of the population is considered to be chronically uninsured and remains without health insurance coverage for two or more years.

Two-thirds of Americans are offered health insurance coverage through their employers. 14% decline this coverage and 2/3rds of those who decline are enrolled in a different private health insurance plans, i.e. spouse's plan. One-third who decline employer-sponsored coverage do not obtain health insurance anywhere else and become part of the uninsured statistic. Cost is the main reason why individuals will decline coverage in an employer-based plan. Many employers require employees to shoulder a portion of health benefits costs.

Knowing the breakdown helps us derive public and private initiatives to solve the problem.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.