It has been revealed by Families USA, a national health group that during 2007 and 2008, nearly one out of three Tennesseans under the age of 65 went without health insurance cover for a significant amount of time. Individuals lacking health cover ranged from days to weeks.

It is thought that during these two years, 1.7 million Tennesseans were without insurance, whereas three quarters went without coverage for three months.

The state’s figures were similar to those found across the USA. 33.1% of those under 65 lacked health coverage during 2007 and 2008 nationwide. As a result, the group is urging for a federal reform that would make health insurance cover more accessible.

Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA said: “The huge number of people without health-care coverage in Tennessee is worse than an epidemic. … That's why meaningful health-care reform can no longer be kept on the back burner.”

However, some proposed bills have been criticised, claiming such policies have too many strings attached and that it will reduce health choices and increase insurance costs.

It is thought that matters are only going to get worse, as due to the dropping economy, job losses create an even higher percentage for those without health insurance.

“Most people don't choose not to have health-care coverage. Instead, they become uninsured when they lose their jobs or when employers reduce benefits, ” said Susan McKay, a spokeswoman for Tennessee Health Care campaign.