90 Million Americans Uninsured for All or Part of 2006-2007

Almost 90 million Americans under age 65 lacked health care insurance for at least part of 2006 or 2007 – even though 70 percent of the insured were employed full time, according to a new study by the advocacy group Families USA.

The report, drawn mainly from U.S. Census Bureau data, showed that nearly two-thirds of the 89.6 million people lacked coverage for six months or more and that half were uninsured for at least nine months.

News coverage of the health care crisis typically cites 47 million uninsured Americans, but Families USA said that figure applies to people uninsured year-round. The new data suggests that maintaining health insurance is a constant struggle for tens of millions more Americans, approximately one in every three people under age 65.