Amid the current health reform debate, the number of uninsured Americans continues to climb as employers drop health coverage, employees lose their jobs, and some government programs contract. The U.S. Census put the number of uninsured at about 46.3 million in 2008. Nationally, the vast majority of the uninsured are low-income people in families where at least one person is employed. Because of soaring health care costs, the uninsured often postpone or avoid care until their ailments become serious, then seek emergency treatment that's even more costly. Many face mounting medical debt, even bankruptcy. Updated March 2010