One of the biggest issues people face today is obtaining and keeping health care insurance. It can be difficult for many on tight budgets or low income, and the quality of health care has become a growing concern.
Not having health care insurance, however, can cause even greater difficulties than paying for coverage. Without health insurance you face the following issues:
1. It can be financially devastating.
Health insurance isn’t just about access to healthcare, it’s about much more. Without a doubt, insurance can be expensive, but lacking coverage can prove even more difficult. Medical debt is one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy filings among Americans. If you are unsure about what type of coverage you need, simply call a insurance company or an insurance brokerage for assistance. All of these firms have trained staff who can offer you great advice and a course of action right for you.
2. Your preventative and primary care access can be very limited.
People who are uninsured run the risk of getting sick more often, staying sicker longer, or remaining sick long term. In many cases, they die prematurely than their peers who have health insurance. Even adults who are young and healthy can benefit from preventive care, annual checkups and chronic disease management. Whether it’s related to diabetes, heart disease, allergies, asthma, skin conditions, aches and pains, injuries or any another condition, there is always a reason to obtain health insurance. Specifically, women should be insured, as they will benefit tremendously from gynecological, internal, and reproductive care.
On the whole, uninsured Americans face worse health outcomes. Those without insurance are far more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of an illness. Uninsured pregnant women tend to use fewer prenatal services, and uninsured children and adults are less likely than their insured counterparts to have a primary care doctor whom they trust.
3. Obtaining follow-up care can prove to be difficult.
Even brief gaps in coverage can contribute to problems in accessing care, obtaining prescriptions, and paying bills. Although “safety net” care from hospitals and clinics improves access to care, these services are intended to be a last resort solution. They do not cover the cost of services such as physical therapy and rehabilitation.
4. Access to affordable drugs can be problematic.
This includes antibiotics, contraceptives, and other medicines to treat common viruses and infections, allergies, and other ailments. With the costs of prescription drugs on the rise, it’s becoming more and more common for the uninsured to forgo medications that they need in order to stay healthy.
5. Being uninsured impacts more than just you.
People who don’t have health insurance coverage have a tendency to wait until their condition is unmanageable, before going to the emergency room to get care. This results in large bills from doctors and facilities, which often times wind up going unpaid. When there’s enough delinquency or bad debt, hospitals will start charging patients more money for services rendered.
In today’s world, it can be a challenge to find good quality health care insurance at affordable rates. Be sure to shop around for the best rates available to you.
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