The Nov. 10 article, “Make voices heard,” cites a figure of 47 million uninsured Americans. This oft-quoted statistic is actually a gross overestimation of the problem, as recent research suggests the number of Americans who cannot currently afford health insurance is much lower.
A new study by Dr. June O’Neill, who served as director of the Congressional Budget Office from 1995-1999, shows that nearly half of those uninsured Americans could likely afford to purchase health coverage. The average “voluntarily uninsured” household makes $65,000 per year.
We should not rush into the creation of a new, expensive health care system without a better understanding of the uninsured population. As long as we continue basing our arguments on inaccurate numbers, it’s hard to see how we can make effective policy decisions.
Kristen Lopez Eastlick
Senior Economic Analyst
Employment Policies
Institute
Washington
Our Readers Speak
Number of uninsured Americans much lower
- Our Readers Speak
-
-
Submit your opinion to Our Readers Speak section
The link to submit a letter to Our Readers Speak through this website has been temporarily disabled because of technical issues with the web host.
The Register-Herald still welcomes your letters. Please e-mail them through your computer's mail program to letters@register-herald.com or via the postal service to: Our Readers Speak, P.O. Box 2398, Beckley, WV 25802.
Because of this issue, letters that may have been submitted through this site over the last few weeks were not received. We apologize for any inconvenience. -
Our Readers Speak — Friday, Feb. 10, 2012
State suffers from nursing shortage
-
Our Readers Speak — Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012
GOP will eventually be destroyed by own base
Sportsman license for seniors should be free
-
Our Readers Speak — Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012
What it means to be liberal and socialist
Does someone care about cats by road?
-
Our Readers Speak — Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Sports about more than just winning
Explanation of DEP study requested
-
Our Readers Speak — Friday, Feb. 3, 2012
Community rises to meet challenge
Why don’t students ride the school bus?
-
Our Readers Speak — Thursday, Feb.2, 2012
We’re fortunate Rahall is seeking re-election
-
Our Readers Speak — Wednesday, Feb.1, 2012
When money wins, our children lose
- Our Readers Speak for Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
-
Our Readers Speak — Monday, Jan. 30, 2012
Republican Party tries to hurt middle class
Citizens, please visit veterans at hospital
- More Our Readers Speak Headlines
-
Submit your opinion to Our Readers Speak section
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
