Current statistics list the number of US citizens without health insurance at the astounding number of 46 million, according to US Census figures.
There are many ways to deny health insurance to a person. It is difficult to say which is the most effective method, but probably the high premium cost comes close to being the number one reason most people are denied health insurance. The high cost impacts families and may also affect the small or medium size business that employs them. When family coverage, for three or more persons, exceeds $700.00 per month, and the average person is being paid about $15.00 per hour, there is no way to afford health care. After tax income for this family will only be about $2,000.00 per month. Sounds like a lot of money, but housing, food, utilities, gasoline and clothing will barely be covered each month. These families live on the brink of disaster every month. This situation is even more desperate for those people who earn the minimum wage of just $7.15 per hour. Their monthly income would be equal to the cost of the health insurance premium for the family.
A small business that employs 50 people would be required to pay $17,500.00 per month if they split the cost of the health coverage with their people. Other employee benefits; workmen’s compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, matching of the social security contributions and sick leave pay mean that the employer must pay very close to double the wage they pay for each person. It is little wonder that employers are unwilling and unable to foot the bill for health insurance, along with the legally mandated expenses for doing business.
People who become ill cannot continue to work. Their health must be very high on the list of survival priorities, both for themselves and their dependents. Accidents do happen. People without health insurance use the emergency rooms of local hospitals as their primary source for health care. According to current law, the emergency room cannot deny treatment when the person’s life is at risk, even if they cannot pay for the treatment. Typically the treatment they receive will be minimal at best, to keep costs to the facility as low as possible. The burden for their health care costs is borne by every person who uses that facility. If the costs become so high that the facility cannot continue there are few choices; closing down completely or merging with a larger facility. Individual doctor’s practices face the same choices. Many refuse to take new patients who do not have health insurance. It is a hard decision to make; serve and protect their current patients or risk bankruptcy by accepting a seriously ill person who may not be able to pay for treatment or medications.
This serious health care situation did not develop overnight. Until the desire of those in power matches, or exceeds, the greed that has brought this about no viable solution will be available.
