We’re all familiar with the difficulties facing our country and fellow Americans due to the current economic downturn. But did you know that according to a recent survey, one in four Americans say that at least one member of their family has lost health insurance coverage in the last year? Those were the findings of a Zogby Interactive poll that I read recently.
Clearly the recession is affecting everyone – not just those who are young or who have low incomes. The survey found that 19% of families whose incomes topped $100,000 a year had a member who lost their health insurance coverage and 18% of people 65 or older had the same experience. And even for those with health insurance coverage, having the ability to pay for the medical care they need is becoming more difficult.
The survey reported that 28% of respondents said that they or a member of their immediate family had, at some point in the last 12 months, been unable to get the treatment they needed. The reasons were consistent: 67% said they could not afford the treatment, 58% said they did not have health insurance at their time of medical need, and 48% said that their health insurance would not cover the prescribed treatment.
In many cases, when you lose your job, you have the ability to remain on the group health plan through the Federal Government’s COBRA provisions, which have been enhanced during these difficult economic times. And many states have enacted similar laws as well. If you’re not eligible for COBRA or state continuation, it pays to look at individual coverage options. Even a high-deductible or limited coverage plan is better than no coverage at all.
Health care reform may be on the way, with the House of Representative passing their version of a health insurance reform bill this past weekend. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the proposal!
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