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Did You Know?

The cost of a single emergency room visit averages $3,300. Protect your family's assets - and health! - by finding an affordable insurance plan that covers unanticipated urgent care.

A 2004 study found that half of uninsured children in the US went without a well-child checkup in the past year, putting them at risk for developing preventable health conditions later in life. Don't endanger your child's welfare: research your options for health plans that include preventative care.

1 out of every 3 uninsured adults have outstanding medical expenses, and 1 out of 4 say these overdue bills have affected their lives significantly. Protect your health and your financial stability - research and find a health insurance plan that suits your needs.

Record Number of Americans Lack Health Insurance

"Health is wealth." We have heard that expression numerous times, but have we really contemplated what it means? If we become ill, we could experience high medical care and medication expenses, lower productivity, and loss of pay. Also, if we lack health insurance, then all of our expenses will be out-of-pocket. Today, the record number of Americans without health insurance affects not only individuals, but also their employers' and ultimately, the nation itself.

Rich and Unhealthy

North America contains over 60% of the world's millionaires, and more millionaires than all other major regions of the world. Yet ironically, the United States remains the only industrialized country on Earth, without universal health care. In 2005, about 45.8 million people in the U.S. lacked health care. That figure equals 15.7% of the non-institutionalized civilian population.

Who are these uninsured 45.8 million?

Those who don't have health insurance are more likely to be in a low income bracket. In fact, more than half of the uninsured exist below 200% of poverty. A quarter of this figure is below the poverty line, and 28% exists between 100%-199% of poverty.

In addition to the income of the uninsured, their ages are of significance as well. Generally, the uninsured are young. Roughly one out of five of the uninsured are below the age of 18. Additionally, 63% of those without health insurance are less than 34-years-old.

Race is yet another factor of those in the U.S. who lack health insurance. Those without insurance are most likely to be White (48%). However, the uninsured are notably disproportionately Latino. While Latinos represent 15% of residents in the U.S., they equal 30% of those without health insurance. The reason is that Latinos are more likely to work in jobs that oftentimes do not offer health insurance (i.e. agriculture and construction).

Healthy Health Care Options

If you are one of the millions who lack health care, several possible solutions exist. The following lists provides some health plan options.

Medicaid: This is a government program that is mainly designed for low-income families with children. While the national government funds every state runs its own Medicaid program. Thus, though you might be eligible for Medicaid in one state, you could be ineligible in a different state.
SCHIP: Congress created The State Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997. About $20 billion over a decade was dedicated to aiding states in providing more children with health insurance. Congress permitted states to offer health care coverage to “targeted low-income children” who are not qualified for Medicaid and have no health insurance.
State High Risk Pools: Thirty U.S. states run high risk pools that provide coverage to people who cannot obtain health insurance via a private insurance company. These high risk pools have a steeper price tag, but for those who desperately need insurance, this is a viable option.

The number of Americans without health insurance continues to skyrocket, and could continue until universal health care is enacted. Nonetheless, several options exist now, if you are seeking free or low-cost health insurance for yourself and your family.