There are two numbers I here on TV everyday. At any given time you can find some politician or "journalist" throwing one of these two numbers around, using them like some sort of trump card that immediatly ends the debate. Question the "numbers" behind the numbers, and you are certain to be labled a hate-monger with no compassion. So what are these pocket aces, these two magic numbers that guarantee you a win over your opponent? 47 million, and 95 %. 47 million being the number of people uninsured, and 95% being the number of people who received a tax rebate. Yes, I said rebate, because receiving a check is not the same thing as having your tax rate lowered. So in light of the current health care debate, I'm taking a closer look at the "numbers" behind the 47 million uninsured Americans.
- 9.5 million are not United States citizens
- 17 million, 37%, live in households with incomes exceeding $50,000 a year and could, presumably, afford their own coverage.
- 18 million, 40%, are between the ages of 18-34, most of which are in good health and not necessarily needing coverage, or chose not to purchase it.
- 50% of the nonelderly population who became uninsured in any giver year regained their insurance within 4 months.
- 70% of the nonelderly population who became uninsured in any giver year regained their insurance within 12 months.
- $116 billion the 47 million received in health care in 2008.
- 37% of the $116 billion paid by the uninsured.
- 26% of the $116 billion paid by the government and charities.
- 37% of the $116 billion absorbed by the hospitals and doctors, or shifted to higher private insurance premiums.
- 250 million, the number of Americans with insurance that will be negatively affected
by politicians pushing a progressive agenda by misleading the public.
So the next time you hear the number 47 million Americans, remember, it's followed by numbers like 9.5, 17, 18, 50, 70, 116, 37, 26, and 37.
Sources
"Liberty and Tyrany" by Mark Levin
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/06/15/wrong-way_health_reform_96997.html
- 9.5 million are not United States citizens
- 17 million, 37%, live in households with incomes exceeding $50,000 a year and could, presumably, afford their own coverage.
- 18 million, 40%, are between the ages of 18-34, most of which are in good health and not necessarily needing coverage, or chose not to purchase it.
- 50% of the nonelderly population who became uninsured in any giver year regained their insurance within 4 months.
- 70% of the nonelderly population who became uninsured in any giver year regained their insurance within 12 months.
- $116 billion the 47 million received in health care in 2008.
- 37% of the $116 billion paid by the uninsured.
- 26% of the $116 billion paid by the government and charities.
- 37% of the $116 billion absorbed by the hospitals and doctors, or shifted to higher private insurance premiums.
- 250 million, the number of Americans with insurance that will be negatively affected
by politicians pushing a progressive agenda by misleading the public.
So the next time you hear the number 47 million Americans, remember, it's followed by numbers like 9.5, 17, 18, 50, 70, 116, 37, 26, and 37.
Sources
"Liberty and Tyrany" by Mark Levin
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/06/15/wrong-way_health_reform_96997.html
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