New Census Report Underscores Need For Healthcare Reform

September 10, 2009

WASHINGTON – Following the release of a new U.S. Census Bureau report showing that the number of uninsured Americans rose from 45.7 million in 2007 to 46.3 million in 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) President and Chief Executive Officer Scott P. Serota issued the following statement:

"Nobody should have to worry about whether they have quality, affordable health insurance if they or a loved one get sick. The fact that 46 million Americans are uninsured is unacceptable and serves as another reminder of the critical need for healthcare reform.

"We should enact bipartisan healthcare reform this year that expands coverage to everyone, reins in costs and improves quality through initiatives to encourage research on what works, revise payment systems to reward the best possible care instead of paying for volume, and focus on healthy lifestyles and wellness to prevent and manage chronic conditions.

"The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies support comprehensive bipartisan healthcare reform that builds on the employer-based system which currently provides coverage to 160 million Americans. We support reforms that make the market work for everyone, by bringing more people in rather than creating a new government-run health plan that would cause millions of Americans to lose the private coverage they enjoy.

"While the increased number of uninsured can primarily be attributed to the economic recession, the fact that so many Americans lack health insurance coverage should spur us to action. We reiterate our pledge to work with the Obama administration, members of Congress, doctors, hospitals and other stakeholders to enact bipartisan comprehensive reform this year.  This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that we cannot let pass."