How many people are actually uninsured in the United States? The figure you usually see mentioned is 47 million. This number is only an estimate, and it's on the high side. If we are discussing how to insure those people, we really need to know how many we are talking about.
The source of the 47 million number is a Census Bureau report, but the bureau is admittedly not sure of its data. The Moderate Voice whittles down the number and settles on 14 million. This site has links to the Census report.
Ed Morrissey also thinks that the correct number is closer to 14 million.
Both rely on a study by the Keiser Family Foundation. See also this summary.
Fourteen million is still a lot of people but it makes the uninsured problem more realistic. Part of the problem with these estimates is that many people can indeed afford insurance but they choose not to buy it. Young and healthy, they take a calculated risk they can get by without it. Probably a good bet. People who risk living without insurance are not going to like it if the government forces them to buy coverage. Some of the uninsured are between jobs, and they will pick up insurance in a few months. With the recession, this may not happen. Some of the uninsured already quality for government health care programs. The debate goes on.
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