A snapshot of America's healthcare crisis

When I see the people holding vigils outside of Terri Schiavo's hospice, I ask myself one question: How many of them are without health insurance?

The answer: every sixth person.

Right now, 44 million Americans are without health insurance. Though there are several reasons why 15% of Americans are without basic coverage, one huge factor is the increased spending on those with coverage. An Emory University study found that the cost per patient for heart disease and hypertension increased 70% and 60%, respectively, between 1987 and 2000.

Schiavo's case is a quintessential example of disproportionate spending on one patient, but it is hardly an aberration. For the last fifteen years, Terri Schiavo has spent every night in either a hospital or a hospice. At an average cost of at least $80,000 a year, Schiavo consumed roughly a minimum $1.2 million of health services since 1990.

Because of increased spending on healthcare, insurers have raised premiums. According a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, premiums climbed 11.2% in 2004, which was actually better than the previous year, when they rose 13.9%. In response to higher premiums, companies have scaled back on employee health plans. Of the 3,000 companies that responded to the survey, 61% offered their employees health benefits, a 4% drop from 2001.