When it comes to preparedness, health insurance will always be your best bet. Because one cannot easily determine when he or she will need medical help, having a reliable health insurance plan will be very helpful in covering the costs of treatment and care. There are many factors one must consider before signing up for a health insurance policy. Since there are different types available, one needs to carefully assess his needs and also manage his allotted budget.
What do you need to know about health insurance? How can this help you and your family in times of need? Read on to learn about interesting facts about policies and coverage, so you can make the informed choice when buying health insurance for you and your family.
o In the United States, it has been reported that nearly 45 million Americans have no form of health insurance whatsoever. This accounts for about 15 percent of the total population as of the year 2006. As mentioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among the total population of Hispanics, 32 percent were uninsured. This is compared to 19 percent of all African-Americans, and 10 percent of all whites who do not have health insurance coverage.
o Of all the uninsured persons in the United States, about 7 million were minors, below the age of 18. This accounts for about 10 percent of the below 18 population of the country, as reported by the CDC. According to the new health insurance plan proposed by the administration of President Barack Obama, about $87 billion of government funds will be allotted for the improvement of state insurance programs, as well as the SCHIP, or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This will expect to reduce the number of uninsured children in the country by up to 72 percent, giving minors better opportunities for health care.
o More on the uninsured: what percentage Affordable Health Insurance of the population ages 19 to 64 (non-elderly) do not have health insurance? The Kaiser Health Foundation reports that approximately 20 percent of adults in this age group are without any form of health insurance, as of the year 2007. Which states have the most number of uninsured adults? The same site reports that New Mexico and Texas top the list, with about 30 percent of people in this age group without health coverage. On the other hand, Massachusetts has the least uninsured adults, which only comprise about 10 percent of the total age group.
o Which states have the highest number of uninsured children, who are from ages 0 to 18 years old? As the Kaiser Health Foundation statistics present, Texas has about 22 percent of children without health insurance, with Florida following with 19 percent. Massachusetts also has the least percentage in this category, with only about 5 percent of children without health coverage