A Review of Data on the U.S. Health Sector June 2003

Abstract

This report presents information on the state of the U.S. health sector in early 2003. It provides data on the insured and uninsured and their access to health care; the increasing costs of care; the role of corporations—including the hospital, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries—and corporate money in health care; and Medicare HMOs. The author provides updates on health care policy and proposals at the state (including single-payer bills) and federal levels; the Bush proposals on Medicare and Medicaid; and the health care reform proposals put forward by the Democratic presidential candidates.