No one plans to get sick. But we still cannot determine what will happen in the future. There is no denying that health care is expensive. Therefore, proper education about health care is key to avoid and prevent financial burdens.
However, people are still feeling the effects of the COVID19 pandemic and the ever-increasing costs of daily life.The availability of health care is an important part of the whole in the United States. In the past, barriers to obtaining insurance resulted primarily from (but not limited to) people's socioeconomic status, lack of trust in the health care system, lack of interest and motivation regarding preventive care, communication, cost, and stigma.
What is health insurance and coverage? In a broader sense, health insurance allows one to finance one's health care costs. This allows one to access medical care and preventive care while protecting them from unexpected and potentially high costs. Health insurance is usually obtained through an employment-based program; direct purchases from the Marketplace (eg Healthcare.gov); Veterans Affairs benefits; or public coverage through Medicare and or Medicaid.
One of the most common health care events is a visit to the emergency room. A broken bone, a ruptured appendix, excruciating pain of unknown origin, uncontrollable fevers – one would think this would warrant a visit to the ER, right? After all, a visit to the ER can mean life and death.
Hospital Pricing Specialists released 2020 information collected from hospitals across the United States to provide standardized costs in each state and DC. The information was collected for cases categorized as moderate – severe. Price includes room charges, lab/radiology charges, medication charges, if applicable, and facility charges. Charges issued are before insurance coverage. Costs can increase if a person needs additional care, such as surgery, or a hospital stay. The information showed a significant cost of health care services related to access to any type of care. It is quite clear that health insurance makes a big difference. (https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/emergency-room-visit-cost-most-expensive-states/52/)
On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by former President Barack Obama, making it possible for millions of Americans who previously couldn't get, let alone afford, insurance. This new law, combined with the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (which was released seven days after the ACA was signed), sought to scrutinize and increase the budgets and availability of insurance for low-income people. the income. Despite much opposition from its inception and implementation, the advent of the ACA has shown a sharp decline in uninsured rates decrease from 2020, this was accomplished by part of increasing levels of public health coverage.”
Insurance can be obtained through the state or federal level if one cannot obtain it through their employer – primarily through the Healthcare.gov website. Some states provide their own insurance and have their own insurance and marketplace.
Since 2010, Americans have been privileged with more and better health care than ever before. Health care should be available to everyone and should not be a burden or difficult to access. We have seen that health insurance makes a world of difference. Sign up; your life may depend on it.
Kevin Eway is a hospital nurse in Chicago, IL. He is passionate about access to equitable health care.