The uninsured population reached 50.7 million in 2009, the largest number since 1987, according to the report. A decline in employer-sponsored coverage due to the recession drove a 9.4 increase in uninsured patients from 2008-2009. Medicaid enrollment also increased in that time, growing by 12 percent to reach 47.8 million people. The percentage of Americans living in poverty also increased from 13.2 percent to 14.3 percent, the highest rate since 1994.
According to the report, physicians are responding to the growing numbers with different strategies. Some physicians are accepting more uninsured patients as more of their patients lose insurance coverage. Others are using physician networking events to increase their referrals, following the decline in patients seeking routine exams.
Some physicians have chosen to offer rates and discounts to encourage patients to seek medical care. By offering free health screenings and office visits at a flat rate, the private practices can stay competitive with other providers and grow patient volume.
Read the American Medical News report on uninsured patients.
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