What Do We Really Know About the Uninsured?

[Midnight Mike]

Next year, when Barack Obama becomes president, he will almost certainly move quickly toward some form of government-provided -- and possibly government-mandated -- health insurance. A principal reason for this is the oft-cited figure of 46 million uninsured Americans.

But what does this number mean? And do we really need to remake our entire health-care system to protect the uninsured? Most people have an incomplete understanding of the uninsured population, which can lead to bad policy choices.

Many Americans believe that the uninsured are too poor to purchase coverage and that government programs aren't available to them. But a study published in Health Affairs in November 2006 estimated that 25% of the uninsured were in fact eligible for public coverage, and another 20% probably could afford coverage on their own. If we apply those percentages to today's uninsured population, roughly 25 million people would need assistance in order to get health insurance.

That's a major concern. But the notion that there are 46 million Americans who can't get the health care they need for lack of money or public assistance is a myth.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122722921596746391.html

[mirrodie]

Sorry but I can't base an entire policy on a singular study.

As a healthcare provider, I can tell you that I do see a relatively high amount of patients without medical coverage.

[Midnight Mike]

Sorry but I can't base an entire policy on a singular study.

As a healthcare provider, I can tell you that I do see a relatively high amount of patients without medical coverage.

Mario, the study was really to challenge the 46 million number & to understand the reason why people do not have medical insurance. During the election cycle, how many times did you hear the 46 million number quoted & the assumption that people can not afford it.

This study is shining some light on the assumptions, we have a President-Elect that wants to 3 trillions of dollars to Universal Health Care, which may not be necessary.

Mario

The people that do not have health insurance, do they pay in cash? If so, there is no problem.....

[mirrodie]

The people that do not have health insurance, do they pay in cash? If so, there is no problem.....

To think there is no problem is a problem. These folks have to decide, whether the food on their plate is more important than their keratitis or their glaucoma. Usually such cases require mulitiple visits.


Cash, check or Visa. And other work arounds.


My only point is that I don't practice based on a study. I will consider changes in my practice based on several studies that come to similar conclusions.

So just making the observation is all.