The number of Americans without health insurance could grow from 45 million today, to 54 million over the next decade, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. The testimony, Expanding Health Insurance and Controlling Costs for Health Care, examines ways that government may reduce the ranks of the uninsured through policy changes, including better mechanisms for pooling risk, subsidies for lower-income families, and either an enforceable mandate or an effective incentive for families to enroll.

The report also suggests a role for the government in funding research on comparative effectiveness of treatments, and encourages better information on the quality of care offered by doctors, hospitals and other health-care providers for consumers.

Consumers Union is actively advocating for health reform, to see what we're up to check out our site Prescription for Change. And you can get involved here.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

To compare treatments, see our Conditions & Treatments page. We also offer hospital comparisons, and have information on how to choose a doctor.