o.k., the facts stated by the article appear to be accurate. They agree with the Census bureau.
They breakdown is interesting though:
1. The highest percent of uninsured is 18-34 year-olds. It would be safe to say that a good portion of those could have insurance but choose not to.
2. Less than 1% of people over 65 are uninsured.
3. Nativity — In 2002, the proportion
of the foreign-born population
without health insurance (33.4 percent)
was more than double that of
the native population (12.8 percent).
7 Among the foreign born,
noncitizens were much more likely
than naturalized citizens to lack
coverage — 43.3 percent compared
with 17.5 percent.
4. Almost 20% of people making between $25,000 and $49,999 per year do not have insurance. I made less than $25,000 when I was 19 but still was able to afford health insurance. This income level should be able to afford health insurance. I did it for many, many years and that was with a wife, kids, dog, etc, etc.
5. Education was the biggest split. 28% of those not insured did not even have a high school diploma. The percent uninsured dropped 30% for people that just had a high school diploma. (a diploma really isn't a major achievement in this day and age). The number dropped another whopping 65% if they graduated college.
While the percentage sure looks interesting, the info behind the facts tells a whole lot more.
Should I, as a tax paying citizen, pay for the healthcare of a non-taxpaying non-citizen? I don't believe so. And I am pretty certain, if I were to go to their country that I wouldn't receive any handouts. Just remove this portion of the equation and the "percent uninsured" drops significantly.
LINKY