Health Insurance Articles

Alarming Number Of American Deaths Due To Lack Of Insurance

2009-09-21

In today's economy, there is an alarming number of Americans without health insurance coverage. Before the economy made a turn for the worse, health insurance was already unaffordable for some. But, now that employers are making cutbacks, with some even eliminating health care benefits completely, health insurance has become scarce in many lower-income households. Costs for health care coverage have skyrocketed over the years, while wages have not. And, even if a company does offer health care coverage, some are likely to forgo the option due to the high premiums or deductibles.

Medicaid offers government-run health care coverage to low-income families, but qualifying for the coverage is not always easy. There are many restrictions and guidelines that make it hard for most to obtain this coverage. Another issue that can make it hard for Americans to get quality health insurance coverage is preexisting health conditions they may have. Even if they find are able to find a company that will agree to insure them, the coverage costs may be too expensive. This results in many Americans going without health insurance for one main reason - cost.

Many Americans can go for years without having health care insurance and never have a problem. But, as everyone knows, accidents can happen, and they usually do. A trip to the emergency room or an unexplained pain is one fear that most uninsured have; the fear that an emergency room visit or needed treatment may bankrupt them. Disregarding the pain because of the fear of potential medical costs can be fatal. Yet, many Americans are playing Russian roulette with their health because of the lack of their lack of health insurance coverage. According to a recent study released by the American Journal of Public Health, it is estimated that 45,000 deaths have occurred each year in the United States due to lack of health insurance. Some of these deaths could have been prevented with something as simple as preventive health care.

Access to preventative health care can mean life or death for many Americans. Certain conditions that are diagnosed early on, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication and simple medical procedures. Not having access to this preventative care leaves the uninsured in a vulnerable position. Many more Americans face these challenges every day - so much so that health care has become a crisis in our country. The argument that everyone here in America should have access to affordable health care is one that affects many people, and one that we all should take a closer look at.