This Fortune interview with Aetna CEO Ron Williams contains a lot of great information about the challenge of delivering health care to Americans. Among the fascinating pieces of information is Williams’ breakdown of the 47 million uninsured we hear about so frequently. From the Fortune article (emphasis is mine):
I’m always amazed that 20% of the 47 million uninsured are eligible today for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. They could sign up and have a relationship with a primary-care physician. About 10% of the 47 million are college and university students, very inexpensive to insure. Slightly more than 20% are not citizens but are in the country legally.
We might find a way to link visa entry or other mechanisms with comprehensive coverage. And about 20% have household incomes above $75,000. On this we agree with many of the presidential candidates. Aetna believes there is a place for an individual coverage requirement for individuals who can afford insurance. I think reasonable people could agree that at some point there’s enough income that someone should be expected to participate in the health-care system. That leaves us with about 14 million to 17 million who really need tax credits and subsidies or tax deductions.
The next time anyone tells you there are 47 million uninsured who can’t afford coverage, remember these stats. I am particularly appalled that responsible Americans who are buying coverage either through an employer or via the private market are expected to subsidize households making $75,000 or more. If people want to make an irresponsible choice to forego insurance coverage, I support their right to do that, no matter how much I disagree with it. But with that choice comes the responsibility to pay for treatment when needed. You and I shouldn’t be left footing the bill.
