Medically Uninsured Or Underinsured
According to government statistics, approximately 46 million Americans do not have medical insurance. This number is probably much higher if you add to it those who are underinsured. It has been predicted by some experts that if our health care system remained unchanged, the number of uninsured Americans will reach 65 million in 10 years. These are frightening numbers. Do you or someone you know belong to this group?In this discussion, the term underinsured will be used to signify both the uninsured and underinsured.Some of the reasons people are underinsured include:
They can not afford the medical insurance
They chose not to have it (maybe they are wealthy, or maybe they are just taking a chance)
They are not poor enough to qualify for low income insurance like Medicaid or similar programs, but can not afford insurance either
They have a high-deductible policy, either privately purchased, or employer purchased
They have pre-existing conditions which the insurance policy does not cover
What do the underinsured usually do in time of need?
They rely on home or over-the-counter-remedies, which may not be helpful
They simply deny themselves the medical care
They end up in emergency rooms, rather than in the physician’s office
The price we pay for having such a large population of underinsured Americans is enormous, and it hurts everyone.Many underinsured people who end up receiving medical care find themselves in a deep financial hole, owing their sole to hospital, doctors, lab, and other medical facilities.The longevity of uninsured people is significantly lower than that of those who have insurance. The risk of dying at any age, as an uninsured, is 40% higher than that of the insured person.Is there a ray of hope for the underinsured?
Even in the absence of a meaningful healthcare reform, there are many things you can do for yourself and decrease your risk of early disease and premature death:
Change your lifestyle. The lifestyle related health risks of smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, eating too much salt, and consuming too little omega-3 fatty acids, account for over 40% of early deaths in the US.
Choose a doctor who will take into consideration the fact that you are underinsured and can’t pay the full “retail” price of your visits and tests. This retail price is often inflated, much higher than what the same physician would accept from a third party payer like Aetna or United. In most cases, there is room for negotiation.
Look for a doctor who may make arrangements with blood testing labs and imaging facilities (for MRI’s, mammograms, etc.) to accept lower payment if you pay on the spot.
So what should the underinsured patient do?
Select a doctor who will take your financial situation in to account.
If you’re a veteran, the VA hospital facility may be able to help.
At the doctor’s office: Ask the pertinent questions only. That’s how you’ll get the most for you money. Let you doctor help you find the less costly alternatives for medications and testing. In many cases, generic drugs will do. Ask for medication discount coupons. Many are now available.
Above all: Take better care of yourself. No smoking, no excessive drinking. Exercise regularly, eat less fatty food (even the fast food places have lower fat, lower calorie food choices), eat less salty food. Save the money you would have spent on cigarettes to schedule a basic physical examination by a physician who cares. Spend the rest on a deserved vacation.
Remember: Even if you are uninsured, there is a lot you can do to live a healthier life and obtain medical care when you need it.
