Uninsured in California

According to a new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, the number of uninsured residents in California increased by more than 2 million (or 28%) in just the two years between 2007 and 2009. This means that one quarter of all adults in California don't even have basic health coverage.

These numbers are staggering. The number of people who lost insurance in California in two years is about equivalent to the population of the entire state of New Mexico or West Virginia losing their insurance. And with the economy still relatively stagnant, the situation isn't looking great for those who rely on their employers for health coverage (most people).

Also on the subject of statistics, I love this image by Jake Lewis (and not just because I'm a sucker for good design):



These staggering numbers just make me consider how urgent this really is. Conservative strategist Ralph Reed, when he visited campus this week, advised that the best strategy for Obama would be to scrap this bill and start over, moving through each separate part on its own. Maybe in a perfect world, but I don't think we have that kind of time.

UPDATE 3/18:

Barack Obama just posted this video, which expands on my thoughts.