T
H
E
FREE WEB TRIALSee back coverPUBLISHED BY CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY INC.
Covering the
Uninsured
Can America afford to insure everyone?
T
he United States is the only industrialized
nation that fails to assure universal access to
basic health care. Nearly 39 million people —
mostly adults and children in wage-earning
families — lack health insurance. Nor does holding onto a
job guarantee coverage. Seven of every 10 Americans de-
pend on their employers for their insurance, but in today’s
tight economy employers are chipping away at benefits,
compelling employees to pay more of the cost and even
eliminating coverage entirely. Four health-care proposals are
being considered in Congress, but all would provide only
limited benefits. Critics of universal coverage say the nation
can’t afford to insure everyone. But health-care advocates say
the nation’s piecemeal approach to insurance doesn’t keep
Americans healthy — and costs more in the long run.
◆ WINNER, SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL
JOURNALISTS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
CQResearcher
I
N
S
I
D
E
THE ISSUES ......................523
CHRONOLOGY ..................531
BACKGROUND ..................532
CURRENT SITUATION ..........534
OUTLOOK ........................536
AT ISSUE ..........................537
BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................541
THE NEXT STEP ................542
THIS ISSUE
June 14, 2002 • Volume 12, No. 23 • Pages 521-544
www.cqpress.com
522
CQ Researcher
THE ISSUES
523
• Can America afford
health insurance for all?
• Should Medicare cover
prescription drugs for the
poorest seniors?
• Should small businesses
be allowed to band togeth-
er to buy health insurance?
BACKGROUND
532 Recurring Quest
Major health-care reforms
were sought five times in
the 20th century.
534
The Clinton Debacle
President Bill Clinton’s pro-
posed Health Security Act
was defeated resoundingly.
CURRENT SITUATION
534 Drugs for the Elderly
Free medications for some
seniors may become a po-
litical priority this fall.
535
Tax Credits
President Bush recommends
tax credits to help families
buy hea