Health Reform: The government has found how to cut the number of uninsured people by almost 2 million — fix the computer that counts them. But even if they're counted right, they're still being counted wrong.

The Census Bureau admitted this week that a computer program has been counting some people who had health coverage as uninsured. Actually a lot of people: The estimate for 2005 was cut by 1.8 million, to 44.8 million. Census officials insist that since the error was consistent over time, the number may be overstated but the upward trend remains unchanged. 'The total impact is small,' said a spokeswoman.

We disagree. We think the count is based on false assumptions. One is that the uninsured are always the same people and uninsured for a long time. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, 'Being uninsured is a transitory state, since most uninsured Americans are only without coverage for a short time.' Many are in between jobs, but innovative solutions like Health Savings Accounts would take care of that.

A National Center for Health Statistics report found that in 2005 only 29 million were uninsured for more than a year. A Congressional Budget Office analysis found that almost 45% were uninsured four months or less. Blue Cross Blue Shield found that of the uninsured households with incomes below $50,000 who didn't qualify for public coverage, nearly half were uninsured six months or less.

Another false assumption is that people are uninsured because they can't afford coverage. But if the number of uninsured is rising because fewer people are able to afford insurance, why is the percentage of uninsured rising fastest among those with the most money?

Herrick reports that the number of uninsured earning $50,000 to $75,000 increased 47% from 1996 to 2005 while households earning over $75,000 increased 117%. Yet the number of uninsured earning $25,000 or less decreased 21% during that decade.

Many of the uninsured choose to be. Some 12 million who qualify for government programs have not enrolled. Of those who have, many have given up private insurance, figuring there's no need to buy when taxpayers pay upward of $300 million to provide it 'free.'

The Pacific Research Institute points out that of the 35 million uninsured adults, one in four is under 24, half are under 35. Thinking like young adults, rather than presidential candidates, many of the young and the healthy with limited resources and a sense of invincibility forgo coverage. They have other priorities. One in five workers with access to employer-subsidized insurance actually decline it.

Another factor is the rising number of immigrants, legal and illegal. As we've reported, an Employee Benefits Research Institute study found that 86% of the growth in the uninsured between 1998 and 2003 was attributable to immigration, both legal and illegal.

If we want to help the uninsured, let's help those who genuinely need and want help. And at least get the number right.