March 27, 2001

Congress Begins Planning for Increased Number of Uninsured as Economy Slows

By ADAM CLYMER and ROBERT PEAR
New York Times

WASHINGTON, March 26- A slowing economy and renewed double-digit inflation
in health insurance costs are all but certain to cause an increase in the
uninsured later this year and next, in the view of experts from foundations,
business and consumer groups and the insurance industry.

And while the issue is not now a major priority for the Bush administration
or either party on Capitol Hill, Congress is beginning to consider tentative
steps toward expanding coverage.

Republicans and a few Democrats are proposing tax credits to help people buy
insurance, and Democrats and a few Republicans are seeking to expand
participation in existing federally aided programs.

Still, Congressional action seems less certain than an increase in the number
of uninsured, who totaled 42.5 million, or 14.2 percent of the population, in
1999, the last year for which statistics are available. Experts believe the
numbers were stable in 2000.

"You have to have grave concern about coverage," said Charles N. Kahn III,
president of the Health Insurance Association of America. "We know from the
past that when the economy slides and health care costs go up, that many
employers find a need to reduce their benefits."[.]"

For complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/27/politics/27HEAL.html
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