Increase in uninsured Makes solid for health reform

AMA Comments on New Census Bureau Uninsured Number Released Today

CHICAGO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement attributable to: J. James Rohack, M.D., President, American Medical Association:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081209/AMALOGO)

"It's no surprise that the ranks of the uninsured have swelled as the economy has shrunk this past year. For too many American families, losing a job also means losing health insurance. We can do better -- 46.3 million uninsured is unacceptable for our great nation.

"Debating the precise number of uninsured should not be our primary focus; what's most important is that all Americans should have access to high-quality, affordable health coverage. When people have health insurance they have access to the regular and preventive care they need to stay healthy.

"Physicians see firsthand the negative effects of living without health coverage. Many times uninsured patients delay getting care, often until it's too late. Our nation's 46.3 million uninsured patients live sicker and die younger. As Congress gets back to work, the plight of the growing number of uninsured should be front and center in the health reform debate."

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About the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.

SOURCE American Medical Association CONTACT:Leah Dudowicz of AMA Media Relations, +1-312-464-4813, leah.dudowicz@ama-assn.org http://www.prnewswire.com