Statement attributable to:
Joseph Heyman, MD
AMA Board Member



"The recent announcement on the increase in the number of uninsured Americans is a forceful reminder that action is desperately needed. Currently, 47 million Americans, including nearly nine million children, don't have health insurance coverage.

"It is unconscionable that the number of uninsured children has substantially increased over the past year. Children are our future, and for kids to get a good start in life, they need access to regular visits to the doctor.

"Recent congressional action to renew the federal health care program for kids is a critical step to ensure parents who work hard, but aren't able to afford health insurance, are able to get their kids health care coverage. Six million children currently rely on the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and if it isn't signed into law before September 30, the children the program is intended to protect will no longer be covered.

"Covering America's kids is the first step toward covering all Americans. The AMA just launched a three-year, multi-million dollar campaign called Voice For The Uninsured to spur action to cover the uninsured. The AMA is reaching out to voters and candidates to talk about the problem and the AMA's solution, and encouraging Americans to vote in 2008 with the issue of the uninsured in mind.

"Under the AMA proposal, the vast majority of Americans would have the means to purchase health care coverage. It would give individuals choices, so they can select the appropriate coverage for them and their families, and would promote market reforms in the insurance industry."

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For more information on the AMA campaign visit VoiceForTheUninsured.org or contact:

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