'So many people ... fall through the cracks' the downturn is having an impact on the economics of health care.

Health researchers find that the rise of unemployment rates during economic downturn will increase the number of uninsured people by 1.1 million. Today, 47 million citizens, 16 percent of the population, are currently without medical coverage. It is becoming apparent, even for the middle class citizens, that the high cost of health care is becoming a serious problem because of the economy. Fortunately, Dr. Lorna Stuart opened The Clinic: Medical Center for the Uninsured in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania as an attempt to alleviate insurance problems. After 22 years working in a private practice, Lorna quit after witnessing, first hand, the unfair rules and restrictions of numerous insurance companies. Lorna sold her house and raised $400,000 in donated funds, materials, and service for the newly operated clinic. This charitable clinic received over 40,000 needy patients. Patients were expected to pay $60 for treatment but if they are unable to afford it, they would receive free or low- cost medical care. More than 100 local volunteers and physicians treated 800 patients a month. Since paperwork is not required, doctors are able to talk to their patients and connect with them in an emotional state.
The Great Depression was a time of economic downturn which started after the crash of the stock market in 1929. Prices deflated rapidly causing business activity to fall sharply .They unemployment rate rose massively. People were forced to live in poverty, while diseases were spreading making it hard for people, especially the poor to receive proper health care. There was not enough food and shelter Jobs were limited, which means that minorities would have to give up their jobs for white citizens.