Uninsured Healthcare

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 17 February 2010

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According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 45.8 million Americans were not covered by any type of health insurance policy in 2004. Being uninsurable is a major contributing factor to this astronomical figure. A person can be rendered uninsurable or denied health insurance if s/he is suffering from or has a history of grave health concerns, such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, AIDS, obesity and depression.

Uninsured Healthcare: Options for Uninsurable

Here are some options that uninsured Americans can resort to, to get health insurance coverage:

 

Group Health Insurance: Ideal for those with pre existing conditions, group health insurance is provided by an employer. Your health concerns are not taken into consideration for providing you employer health benefits. It must be noted that this coverage ends when you leave the job (unless you are eligible for COBRA provisions). Self-employed individuals can enjoy benefits of group coverage through the spouse’s employer.

Professional Organizations: There are some professional organizations or unions that provide group insurance to members irrespective of pre-existing conditions. Insurance coverage is offered as a fringe benefit. Some professional organizations may require you to hold a certain career experience or certification to qualify for the membership.

State Risk Pools: For uninsurable individuals, there is a provision of private individual health insurance in some states. This is done through a high-risk insurance pool with access to varied private coverage plans. You can resort to the state risk pool if you

·        were denied health insurance coverage due to being seriously sick,

·        are making exorbitant payment to your private insurer as fee or

·        meet other criteria as stipulated by your home state.

However, it is worthwhile to note that the premium under high risk pools is usually very high. In some cases, you may even end up paying double the amount as premium, as compared to private healthcare.

Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance: If you are an uninsurable individual due to pre-existing conditions or affordability, you can opt for a Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan. Such a plan is also called ‘mini-med’ and does not typically charge a high premium. No medical examination is required to qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan. Under this plan the insured is given a defined amount for every procedure and service which could be an accidental death, surgery, physician’s visit, emergency room visit or hospital stay.


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