Affordable Health Insurance: Yeah Right

Health care costs in the United States have risen far faster than has the ability of the average American consumer to pay them. Unless you are fortunate enough to have an employer who still pays for your health insurance, you may have to pay as much as $500 a month in order to be covered in the event of a catastrophic illness. If you need a long stay in the hospital, you will be faced with thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical expenses; not including the cost of medications, which are also on the rise.

Government incentives are now available to small businesses. These tax breaks were intended to induce small businesses to offer group health plans, but few have taken these up. It is just too expensive for most small business owners - the tax breaks do not cover the extra expense involved.

As a result, it is the American citizenry who are left in the lurch. Having to pay for one’s own health insurance can mean having to choose between food and insurance coverage. There is almost no such thing as affordable health insurance in this country anymore. If you have a serious medical situation, you might have to declare bankruptcy as a result.

If your income falls at or below the poverty line, you may qualify for affordable health insurance. Most states have Federally funded programs which pay for medical treatment in the case of life threatening conditions. You then are allowed medical treatment on a level that sustains life, but are disallowed certain procedures afforded a person with full coverage. Premiums are determined on a sliding fee scale, depending on household income and the number of persons in your family. Such premiums do fit the description of affordable health insurance, but are lacking in the quality of care you receive.

There have been many cuts in federally funded health care under the current administration. Many services one considered essential have been dropped entirely or severely curtailed. In 2006, the federal government ordered state agencies to reduce costs, which they did by making relatively arbitrary cuts in medical services. Dental care, for instance was reduced to only emergency coverage. The administration also eliminated dental care for Vietnam veterans to care for Iraq war veterans instead. This has led to the disgraceful situation of Vietnam vets, their teeth damaged from Agent Orange, being forced to pull their own teeth with pliers! This is something which should shame us all as Americans.

With a new crop of candidates aspiring to the Presidency, affordable health insurance is a hot issue. This rich nation should address the issue of affordable health insurance with more than lip service. All of our citizens deserve decent health care without regard to income.

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