Census: Uninsured rate level in Ohio, up nationally

New U.S. Census Bureau data from 2008 showed that the number of uninsured Ohioans increased from 1.2 million in 2007 to 1.3 million in 2008, an increase that is considered statistically insignificant (Source: “New census numbers show more uninsured,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept. 11, 2009).

Nationally, the number of the uninsured increased to 46.3 million, or 15.4 percent, up from 45.7 million in 2007. 

Some contend that the estimated number of uninsured is too high because the Census counts noncitizens as well as those who qualify for government programs and are not enrolled. Others, however, say the number is too low because the Census counted anyone who reported having health care coverage at any time during the year as being insured.

"A lot of people who lost their insurance weren't counted," admitted David Johnson, chief of the Census Bureau's housing and household economic statistics division, when asked about it during a media call.