Health Insurance Articles

Foster Children Lose Health Insurance at Age 18

2009-08-17

There are tens of thousands of children who exist within the country’s foster care system. Many of these children end up in foster care because they have been removed from neglectful and abusive households. As a result of the stresses and problems that these innocent children have had to endure at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them, they require more medical care and have more needs than other children. They may suffer from physical problems such as malnourishment, AIDS, and delayed growth. Psychological and emotional troubles may also lead to behavioral problems requiring therapists and counselors. A more specialized and personal approach to healthcare must be taken when assessing these children.

Fortunately, health insurance is provided to these children free of charge. This insurance covers such services as doctor visits, surgery, prescriptions, hospitalization, therapy, and diagnostic testing. The cost of these services would otherwise be exorbitant and probably impossible for any family to pay. This is indeed a much needed service that protects the physical and mental wellbeing of children and helps to ensure that they can live happy lives free of pain and illness.

But what happens to these children once they reach the age of 18? Health coverage is no longer available to them as they are no longer considered children. They have no accessibility to affordable health insurance and so a majority of them live their lives with no insurance at all. This is a devastating blow especially if the child requires continuing care or medication to treat an illness or disease. Many kids in high school or entering university play sports. If they are no longer eligible for health insurance, they will certainly suffer in their studies because they cannot concentrate. They will constantly worry about getting hurt and not being able to pay for medical treatment. Ultimately, they will quit and lose an opportunity that they may never regain again.

Even if they do not attend school or play sports, once these children turn 18, low cost health insurance can be impossible to obtain. Most will opt not to have any insurance at all. If they fall ill or get injured, a high percentage will not bother to seek treatment as they cannot pay. Their health will further decline and they can even face death. If they do attempt to seek medical assistance, patients with medical coverage will be given priority over them.

This doesn’t benefit society any better. The costs of treating uninsured patients will more than likely be picked up by the state, the local government, or healthcare institutions. This makes everyone’s rates and premiums increase and puts an even heavier burden on the healthcare industry as a whole.