45 Million People Uninsured - And Counting.
Popular opinion says otherwise, but being uninsured isn’t just a problem for
low-income Americans.
A new Commonwealth Fund study looked at moderate income Americans — people
who make between $20,000 to $40,000 a year. It found that 41% had
no health insurance for at least part of 2005.
The Uninsured Face Serious Risks…
A serious problem for the uninsured population is the lack of access to good care
and early detection of illness. Among the uninsured population,
- 43% did not get a needed prescription filled
- 39% skipped a medical test or follow-up
- 49% had a medical problem… and didn’t see a
doctor
Early detection and treatment is crucial to catching minor medical issues before
they turn into full-blown health problems. Without this access, people without insurance
find their health is on the line.
The high cost of medical care puts uninsured Americans
at financial risk, too. In the Commonwealth Fund study, 49% of uninsured
Americans used up all their
savings to pay for medical bills in 2005.
What Can You Do?
Many people depend on their job for insurance. If insurance isn’t offered
at work, they go without. What they don’t know is that they can buy insurance
on their own — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
The market for individual insurance has grown rapidly in the last few years. As
the market gets larger, more plans and more options become available.
- Individual health plans are available for reasonable monthly
premiums. And since they don’t depend on your employer, you can take them
from job to job.
- High Deductible Health Plans feature even lower monthly premiums.
You can combine these plans with a Health Savings Account to make
budgeting for healthcare expenses easier.
- Health Discount Plans are an affordable alternative. These programs
aren’t insurance plans — they’re membership programs that provide
discounts on healthcare. They’re perfect for making up for gaps in coverage.
With a little looking, you can find good coverage that fits your budget. Before
you enroll in a plan, compare it with several others. The best way to learn about
your options? Talk to a licensed health insurance agent. They’ll be happy to
help, and their services are free. |
