Health Insurance Articles
Health Insurance Premiums To Rise If Reform Passes
2009-12-13
According to an AARP bulletin, the number of Americans in 2008 without health care coverage was 46.3 million. At this point in time, some are estimating that number has risen substantially to be closer to 50 million. In the midst of a failing economy, people cannot afford private coverage and are opting to go without it. And, as a result, those without insurance are waiting until small health issues become major, resulting in emergency room care - the cost of which is then transferred indirectly to those with insurance through rising health insurance rates. The impact of the uninsured reaches farther than Americans may realize - an issue the health reform is trying to solve.
Currently, the Senate's proposal for health reform is a heavily debated subject. While there would be benefits for the uninsured, there would also be changes for those who already pay for health insurance. EmaxHealth.com writes that "health insurance premiums would increase by as much as 13 percent for about 14 million Americans under the current U.S. Senate health reform proposal." These 14 million Americans are those who make too much money to qualify for coverage under the new proposal and must pay for their own health insurance policy. However, EmaxHealth.com also states that the increase in premiums for these 14 million would benefit 18 million Americans who qualify for reduced cost coverage. Those with coverage provided by a large employer are predicted to have no change in their current premiums, or possibly a slight decrease.
There are other increases to consider under the reform as well. Additionally, the new legislation would impose more fees on insurance providers, reduce payment to hospitals and increase enrollment in Medicaid, all of which could result in higher premiums for those with private health care coverage.
Are the potential increases in insurance premiums for those 14 million Americans worthwhile? Will the quality of our health care decrease if this proposal passes? Other countries with universal health care coverage do not have the resources to treat every person with medical needs, and people are often put on a waiting list. With the current plans effects being taken into consideration, it seems as though this proposal needs to go back to the drawing board. With the economy in its current state, those who do not qualify for coverage under the new legislature may not be able to afford insurance premiums with the proposed increases, resulting in an uninsured family that must now pay fees for being uninsured.
What we don't want is increases for uninsured Americans, defeating the entire purpose. The good intentions of this legislation may end up being outshined by the negative implications.
