The number of poor and uninsured Americans are increasing greatly with now more than 38.8 million Americans believed to be living in poverty. It is estimated that the release of the 2008 census data will show a large increase of the poverty rate to at least 12.7%. In 2007, the poverty rate was up to 12.5%, that is 37.3 million people, compared with last year, this means an increase of more than 1.5 million people. The number of uninsured Americans is also very likely to increase because of the rising unemployment numbers and the deterioration of private coverage paid by employers and individuals, this is compared to last year when the number of uninsured dropped by more than 1 million because of government programs for the poor like Medicaid. But these numbers are more likely to be "the tip of the iceberg" of the actual number since the poverty rate has the tendency to grow rapidly over time and it was estimated earlier this year that poverty could eventually be up to 14.8% or more if unemployment reaches 10% like many analysis predict. Many believe that the numbers will keep increasing and as much as no one wants this to happen it seems like that is more likely to happen because more and more people are losing their jobs and many continue to be uninsured. We, as a nation, have the tendency to look the other way when so many people around us are poor, but now as we go through a recession we seem to focus more on the rising numbers and we forget that we can all do something to help those who have been less fortunate because of the recession. It will take a lot of time for the Obama administration to do something about the growing number of people who continue to lose their jobs, but they are doing everything they possibly can to help the nation and those who are unemployed. The release of the rising numbers of the poverty-stricken and uninsured could have a great impact as Congresses addresses health care reform, its cost and the way to pay for it.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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2 comments:
When the nation is in a recession we tend to see things like this coming but at times we neglect it and turn the other way. As long as the thought of the recession is still on peoples' minds and their struggles there is no way to turn away from the slightly low possibility that there is a growing number of poverty around us. It just takes time and patience and America will once again prosper. Lately from our surroundings all we see are people complaining but never do anything about it, at times like these we must reach out and lend a hand to one another. Either way America is like a giant community if one falls there is a domino effect.
I agree with Diaz it is true that people ignore things because they are scare of the situation. The unemployment rate is increasing and it cause people to lose their homes, poverty strikes and hits hard. Hopefully Congressmen will not suspend the Healthcare reform because the other people who are holding on really need it. This a question for you Jessica what do you think the Obama administration is going to do?
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