| According to government statistics, approximately | | | | reform, there are many things you can do for |
| 46 million Americans do not have medical | | | | yourself and decrease your risk of early disease |
| insurance. This number is probably much higher if | | | | and premature death: |
| you add to it those who are underinsured. It has | | | | - Change your lifestyle. The lifestyle related health |
| been predicted by some experts that if our health | | | | risks of smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, eating |
| care system remained unchanged, the number of | | | | too much salt, and consuming too little omega-3 |
| uninsured Americans will reach 65 million in 10 | | | | fatty acids, account for over 40% of early |
| years. These are frightening numbers. Do you or | | | | deaths in the US. |
| someone you know belong to this group? | | | | - Choose a doctor who will take into consideration |
| In this discussion, the term underinsured will be | | | | the fact that you are underinsured and can't pay |
| used to signify both the uninsured and | | | | the full "retail" price of your visits and tests. This |
| underinsured. | | | | retail price is often inflated, much higher than what |
| Some of the reasons people are underinsured | | | | the same physician would accept from a third |
| include: | | | | party payer like Aetna or United. In most cases, |
| - They can not afford the medical insurance | | | | there is room for negotiation. |
| - They chose not to have it (maybe they are | | | | - Look for a doctor who may make |
| wealthy, or maybe they are just taking a chance) | | | | arrangements with blood testing labs and imaging |
| - They are not poor enough to qualify for low | | | | facilities (for MRI's, mammograms, etc.) to accept |
| income insurance like Medicaid or similar programs, | | | | lower payment if you pay on the spot. So what |
| but can not afford insurance either | | | | should the underinsured patient do? |
| - They have a high-deductible policy, either | | | | - Select a doctor who will take your financial |
| privately purchased, or employer purchased | | | | situation in to account. |
| - They have pre-existing conditions which the | | | | - If you're a veteran, the VA hospital facility may |
| insurance policy does not cover What do the | | | | be able to help. |
| underinsured usually do in time of need? | | | | - At the doctor's office: Ask the pertinent |
| - They rely on home or | | | | questions only. That's how you'll get the most for |
| over-the-counter-remedies, which may not be | | | | you money. |
| helpful | | | | - Let you doctor help you find the less costly |
| - They simply deny themselves the medical care | | | | alternatives for medications and testing. In many |
| - They end up in emergency rooms, rather than | | | | cases, generic drugs will do. |
| in the physician's office The price we pay for | | | | - Ask for medication discount coupons. Many are |
| having such a large population of underinsured | | | | now available. |
| Americans is enormous, and it hurts everyone. | | | | - Above all: Take better care of yourself. No |
| Many underinsured people who end up receiving | | | | smoking, no excessive drinking. Exercise regularly, |
| medical care find themselves in a deep financial | | | | eat less fatty food (even the fast food places |
| hole, owing their sole to hospital, doctors, lab, and | | | | have lower fat, lower calorie food choices), eat |
| other medical facilities. | | | | less salty food. Save the money you would have |
| The longevity of uninsured people is significantly | | | | spent on cigarettes to schedule a basic physical |
| lower than that of those who have insurance. The | | | | examination by a physician who cares. Spend the |
| risk of dying at any age, as an uninsured, is 40% | | | | rest on a deserved vacation. Remember: Even if |
| higher than that of the insured person. | | | | you are uninsured, there is a lot you can do to |
| Is there a ray of hope for the underinsured? | | | | live a healthier life and obtain medical care when |
| Even in the absence of a meaningful healthcare | | | | you need it. |