The problem of the uninsured is growing worse. The federal government estimates that 45 million Americans lack coverage of any kind for an entire year. Other research shows that tens of millions more Americans go without health coverage for shorter periods of time.

• Recent Census Bureau data demonstrate that the problem of the uninsured has grown worse in 2003. According to figures released in August 2003, 45 million people—15.6 percent of the total U.S. population—were uninsured in 2003, up from 15.2 percent in the previous year.¹
• The percentage of the non-elderly population that is uninsured has climbed steadily from 13.7 percent in 1987 to 17.7 percent in 2003 (with a slight dip of no more than one percentage point around the turn of the century).²

Percentage of Nonelderly Americans Without Health Insurance Coverage, 1987-2003

Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates from the Current Population Survey, March 1988-2004 Supplements.
a Results are based on Census 1990-based weights.
b Results are based on Census 2000-based weights.
See appendix in Fronstin, Paul. "Sources of Coverage and Characteristics of the Uninsured: Analysis of the March 2004 Current Population Survey." EBRI Issue Brief number 276, December 2004.