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The article discusses the method employed by the U.S. federal government in measuring poverty. It identifies the problems present by the country's antiquated poverty line, including the calculation of income before taxes and transfers. The supplemental poverty measure (SPM) is criticized for taking benefits and cost of living into account.

The article discusses reports that the average American income has risen slightly while poverty rates have slightly fallen. The number of Americans without health insurance, however, has continued to increase. These figures are questioned, as the author points out that poverty censuses do not take into account government health insurance, subsidized housing, or food stamps.