Census Bureau lowers uninsured numbers for 2004-05

WASHINGTON--While still rising, the number of people in the United States without health insurance coverage is lower than previously reported, according to revised estimates released Friday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In 2005, the Census Bureau now estimates that 44.8 million people, or 15.3% of the population, lacked health insurance. In an earlier report, the Census Bureau estimated that 46.6 million people, or 15.9% of the population, lacked coverage.

Additionally, the Census Bureau now estimates that in 2004, 43.5 million, or 14.9% of the population, lacked coverage. That compares with an earlier estimate of 45.3 million uninsured, or 15.6% of the population.

The Census Bureau revised the figures after finding mistakes in the tabulation process.