Half of All Americans Are Uninsured or Underinsured

One out of every six Americans (the uninsured) is unable to go to the doctor for any reason. Another two out of every six of us (the underinsured) avoid going to the doctor for needed preventive or diagnostic care because insurance won't pay for basic care.

What does this really mean? It means that 50 percent of Americans don't even have access to the kinds of very basic medical care that they need just to stay healthy. It means that half of all Americans are less likely to stop deadly diseases from making them really sick.

Precariously, the other 50 percent of us (the adequately insured) aren't insulated or protected from these same disasters though many of us may be wholly unaware of just how vulnerable we really are. Did you know that most people without insurance are employed? Indeed, the majority of insured Americans are just one missed premium payment, or divorce, or just a layoff notice away - even just a serious diagnosis away - from losing the (previously adequate) insurances we currently have.

Did you know that insurance companies are allowed to drop you (not renew your annual policy) if you get diagnosed with a chronic disorder or some other costly disease? Did you know that once you are dropped that no one else is required to offer coverage to you, not even the government?

So, while only half of us are uninsured or underinsured, 100 percent of us are vulnerable.

We are in an emergency in America. Our cobbled together healthcare 'system' is simply a mess. Too many people get sick unnecessarily. Millions of Americans get sicker or die unnecessarily because they cannot get the medical care they need.

Thanks to a Facebook friend's link, I discovered a website that sells "uninsured wristbands." The maker of the bracelets says that by wearing them, people can help spread the message,

"I'm uninsured, you may not know why, but now you know my face. Maybe I look like you or someone you love. I'm uninsured and scared of being without health insurance in this country. Maybe my health is already suffering from lack of health care. Today it's me, tomorrow it could be you."

The wristbands are powerful tools for public awareness.

If you want to help put a face on the health care crisis or wish to stand in solidarity with those that are suffering, check out the wristband site here.

'Single payer' is the most effective way to uncobble our system and resolve our nation's healthcare disparities and vulnerabilities.

Menu

Shortcuts

Frequent Contributors

Half of All Americans Are Uninsured or Underinsured

Browse the Blogs!

You are here!

Visit our friends!

Books You Might Like!

Notices & Policies