Forty-six million. You hear the number all the time when someone is debating nationalized health care. Forty-six million uninsured. But is it accurate?

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the figure includes illegal immigrants who, as of now, would not be covered by the administration’s health insurance plans. And neither does it take into consideration that the remaining uninsured will not be for long. Many are between jobs and will get new insurance. Others will get medical savings accounts. And under Obamacare, more than 30 million will remain uninsured, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

But 46 million is a number that Democrats want you to remember so they can push through the most radical restructuring of American health care in history. For how that would look, check out Canada or the U.K.

For more on the subject, pickup a copy of today’s issue of USA Today for Bob Beckel’s and my column, or go to usatoday.com and click on “opinion.” It’s your health.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist in Washington, D.C.