The report states that 15.6 percent of the population is now uninsured. The total number has increased by 1.4 million people since 2002 and is at a record level. The previous high was 44.3 million in 1998.

According to independent research, President Bush will spend $69.5 billion to cover 4 million uninsured and Sen. Kerry (D-Mass.) will provide an estimated $895 billion to cover 27 million uninsured.

"Neither of the major party candidates are proposing a healthcare plan that will provide equal access to comprehensive, quality care for all Americans," says Brian Palmer, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., AMSA national president. "Senator Kerry's plan would only cover some 27 million Americans, but he has endorsed the idea that health care is a right for all. On President Bush's watch, the number of uninsured has increased from 39.8 million to 45 million; his plan would not even undo the damage that has been done."

AMSA believes that a single-payer system of national health insurance is the most effective method of providing high-quality, affordable and comprehensive health care for all.

For over 50 years, AMSA has empowered medical students to continually improve our health care system locally, statewide and nationally for the benefit of our future patients. Next week, AMSA will be participating in the Rally for National Healthcare, at the Campaign for a National Health Plan NOW conference. Also coming up is the Universal Health Care Task Force, one of AMSA's initiatives to prepare physicians-in-training from across the country to become thought leaders for fundamental health care reform and acquire skills so that they may create action at the state and local level. This year's leadership training will take place September 17-19, 2004.

About The American Medical Student Association

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States.

Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With nearly 50,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including universal healthcare, disparities in medicine, diversity in medicine and transforming the culture of medical education. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org.