In the Spotlight

How many Americans are uninsured? 45.0 million in 2003 according to the Census Bureau.

But some have cited a much higher number - 65 million in 2001 - while others claim that the number is much lower - 19.5 million in 2001. Surprisingly, each claim is true. Each refers to a different period of time: the highest number describes the uninsured at any time during the year; the lowest number counts those who are uninsured throughout the year.

ERIU has tabulated characteristics of the uninsured using three different views of who should be counted: those uninsured throughout the year, those uninsured ever during the year, and those uninsured at a point in time. ERIU's Fast Facts tabulations are the only source showing how characteristics vary with the definition of "uninsured."

For Fast Facts tabulations, turn to:

Counting the Uninsured by Reference Period

For more details about how data sources relate to the number uninsured, turn to:

Research Highlight 6: How Many Are Uninsured? Different Data Offer Different Dimensions