Health insurance is a need for many Americans. Despite the Affordable Care Act, there are still millions of Americans who remain uninsured due to affordability issues. Understanding the severity of the situation and how widespread it is can help us make informed decisions.
In this article, we will explore how many people are without health insurance in America, who they are and why they cannot afford coverage. We will also look into what solutions exist to tackle this problem and what we can do as individuals to help fight healthcare inequality in our country.
The high cost of health insurance
The high cost of health insurance is one of the biggest financial burdens that Americans face. In 2018, the average annual premium for family health insurance was $18,764. That’s more than the median income for an American family ($61,372).
Of course, not everyone pays the full cost of their premiums. Employers often cover a portion of the premium, and some Americans are eligible for government subsidies. But even with these assistance programs, health insurance is still unaffordable for many families.
One reason why health insurance is so expensive is that healthcare costs have been rising faster than inflation for decades. Between 2000 and 2016, healthcare prices increased by an average of 4.3% per year. This is much higher than the general inflation rate, which was only 2.2% during that same time period.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, so do health insurance premiums. This puts a strain on families’ budgets and makes it difficult for them to afford other necessities like food and housing. It also means that more and more Americans are going without health insurance altogether because they simply can’t afford it.
How many Americans cannot afford health insurance?
As of 2019, nearly 30 million Americans do not have health insurance. That number has been rising in recent years, thanks in part to the Trump administration.
There are a number of reasons why people might not have health insurance. The most common reason is that they can’t afford it. premiums have been rising faster than wages for years, and the cost of health care is only going up.
Other reasons include losing coverage due to a job change or retirement, being ineligible for Medicaid, or simply not knowing how to sign up for coverage.
No matter the reason, the lack of health insurance can have devastating consequences. People without insurance are more likely to delay or forego needed medical care, and they are also more likely to experience financial ruin if they do get sick or injured.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who don’t have health insurance, there are options available to you. You can sign up for Medicaid if you qualify, or check out the new health insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.
There are also a number of private insurers that offer plans outside of the marketplace. And while buying health insurance may seem like a daunting task, there are plenty of resources available to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your needs.
The consequences of not having health insurance
If you do not have health insurance, you may be charged more for medical care, or you may be denied coverage altogether. If you are sick or injured and cannot afford to pay for treatment, you may end up in debt, or even worse, you could die.
According to the CDC, approximately 28.3 million people in the United States were without health insurance in 2017. That means that nearly 1 in 10 Americans were living without coverage. The consequences of not having health insurance can be serious.
If you do not have health insurance and you get sick or hurt, you may be charged more for medical care. Or, you may be denied coverage altogether. This could leave you with a large medical bill that you are unable to pay. If you are unable to pay your medical bills, you may go into debt. In extreme cases, people who do not have health insurance have died because they could not afford to pay for treatment.
No one should have to choose between food and medicine or between paying their rent and going to the doctor. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many Americans who cannot afford health insurance. If you are one of them, know that there are resources available to help you get the coverage and care that you need.
What can be done to help those who cannot afford health insurance?
There are many ways to help those who cannot afford health insurance. One way is to provide subsidies to help offset the cost of premiums. Another way is to expand Medicaid eligibility so that more people can qualify for coverage.
Additionally, increasing funding for community health centers can help make care more affordable and accessible for those who need it. There are also a number of tax credits and deductions available that can help make health care more affordable. Finally, increasing competition in the insurance market by creating more options and increasing transparency can help drive down costs.
Conclusion
It is clear from this article that the number of Americans who cannot afford health insurance is increasing, and this is a major concern for our nation’s population. We must strive to reduce our dependence on employer-sponsored health insurance and work towards providing more affordable options for those who are unable to pay for coverage out of pocket.
Without access to quality health care, many people will suffer from financial insecurity or even illness due to lack of treatment. It’s time we take action and make sure everyone has access to the healthcare they need.
