Problems of the Underinsured in the United States Essay Example
Healthcare is a major concern globally, impacting the United States and other countries. The rising cost of health insurance is a common issue in modern healthcare that affects families. Both health insurance and medical care expenses are increasing, affecting both uninsured individuals and those with coverage. According to HealthCareProblems.org in June 2008, around 50 million Americans lack insurance coverage, while an additional 25 million people have insufficient coverage despite paying high rates. These individuals often face substantial medical bills due to their significant health conditions. Some struggle to switch insurance providers or find better premiums because of chronic illnesses or serious ailments.
To maintain their coverage, people must agree to higher premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, as well as encounter an increase in out-of-pocket expenses. According to a recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund
..., the number of individuals who are underinsured has increased by 60 percent in the past four years. This group primarily consists of individuals earning below the poverty level; however, there is also a significant rise in underinsured households belonging to the middle class. Specifically, during this time period, the number of families with incomes of $40,000 who are underinsured has nearly tripled (Health, 2008).
To determine if someone is underinsured, it is crucial to take into account different general factors that could differ depending on individual situations. The Commonwealth Fund conducted a study which examined the proportion of income allocated towards medical expenses in order to define underinsurance. Based on their findings, low-income individuals who are classified as underinsured spend 5 percent of their income on medical bills, whereas others spend 10 percent (Reinberg, 2008). Underinsured individuals frequently encounter simila
challenges as uninsured patients due to financial constraints and inability to afford co-payments for doctor visits.
Underinsured individuals only visit the doctor when it is absolutely necessary, meaning they do not receive preventive care such as checkups or lab tests, which are often not covered by insurance. Additionally, underinsured people frequently fail to adhere to prescription instructions, including skipping doses or not following treatment altogether. According to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, 45% of adults reported difficulty in paying their bills, including monthly health insurance premiums, and may have collections pending or in the past.
Nearly half of the survey participants resorted to personal bankruptcy as a result of medical expenses. A significant number of middle-class households encountered difficulties affording health insurance and medical treatment. Retirees, who may have savings, are forced to use them since Medicaid provides minimal coverage and prescription costs are exorbitant. As a consequence, older individuals face economic challenges.
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