n in the 15-year period since the nation last debated health reform, more than 294,000 American adults (25 to 64 years old) died prematurely due to a lack of health coverage,

n uninsured adults are 25 percent more likely to die prematurely than adults with private health insurance,

n uninsured Americans between age 55 and 64 are at much greater risk of premature death than their insured counterparts.

This makes the lack of insurance the third leading cause of death for the near-elderly, following heart disease and cancer.

The report quantifies these deaths as “needless.” While thousands of families feel the pain of this loss, the ongoing tragedy is too often invisible to the general public.

“When people witness a tragic event that leads to multiple deaths, we raise our voices in indignation, and the nation rallies in response,” Pollack said. “We cry out for investigations. We seek causes. We call for swift punishment for the guilty, and removal of the inept. Yet, unseen, thousands will die needlessly and prematurely over the next decade because our terribly flawed health care system excludes these ordinary Americans.”

Meriden-based Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut was quick to react to the report. Calling report findings “a stark reminder” that consequences of not fixing a broken health care system are too great to ignore, the foundation’s Acting President Frances Padilla said, “We’ve all known for far too long that spiraling health care costs are crippling Connecticut families and businesses. This report paints a grim picture of the human cost we face if we fail to fix the system.”

“Passing national reform not only will save lives but will put Connecticut at a competitive advantage,” he said, referring to passage last year of health care reform legislation called SustiNet.

The new state law promises to provide an affordable public health insurance choice and make quality, affordable health care a reality for everyone in the state.

“Having insurance coverage improves health outcomes and reduces and eliminates racial and ethnic disparities in access to quality care,” Padilla said.

Despite foundation advocacy, some business organizations in the state oppose universal health care.

In fact, Andrew Markowski, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, has warned that organized labor and other universal health-care advocates have targeted Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

According to business group, ultimately all businesses will need to provide health care for their employees or pay a tax.