Government becoming insurer for more people

More people are getting their health insurance from the government as the number of individuals with coverage from an employer declines, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of people in the U.S. without health insurance rose by about 700,000 between 2007 and 2008 to 46.3 million. The proportion of uninsured was essentially unchanged at 15.4%. But the 46 million figure is disputed. Many experts say the number is probably higher now because rising unemployment is causing more people in the U.S. to lose insurance provided through jobs. Others say the problem may be overstated because some of the uninsured can afford to buy insurance but don't.