There are currently around 45 million uninsured Americans, representing 15% of the population. While this number decreased slightly from 2005-2007 due to increased government program coverage, the overall number of uninsured under 65 has been rising since 2000. Most of the uninsured come from lower-income households earning under $50,000 annually. The high cost of insurance premiums, lack of employer-provided coverage, and pre-existing conditions all contribute to many Americans lacking health insurance. States with the largest populations of uninsured residents include Texas, New Mexico, Florida, California, and Oklahoma.

1. THE UNINSURED A GROWING EPIDEMIC by: Wendy Raney