Healthcare and Prevention
Given the current state of things in the United States, the economy is heading towards a depression. That being said the number one issue concerning most Americans at this point is the issue surrounding health care and the rising cost to have it.
Health care has long been a hot debate issue in past elections, and this one was no different. Because the economy is suffering, millions of people have lost their jobs while still more continue to lose their jobs. Along with their jobs being lost, many are also losing whatever health care coverage that they did have. And while there are some employers who do not offer to pay for health care coverage, the mere fact that people are employed allows them to maintain having coverage at all times. Therefore, when jobs are lost, health care becomes problem.
What happens if a couple is married and only one spouse is able to work and then that spouse gets laid off? This is the most common case that is currently taking place. Health care is a very real problem that is beginning to affect people on a serious level. It begs the question: Are health insurance companies cheating people somehow? Many would argue that they are. Recently, my boyfriend switched health insurance providers when he changed jobs. I won’t say the name of the health insurance provider, but it was the same provider that I had at my company. The only difference was that he was paying approximately $100 less than me per month for the same exact coverage. Astounded, I contacted my health insurance company to inquire as to why this was as well as to see if I could alter my current plan to get a cheaper rate. Both of us were the same age and had no medical problems to speak of as well as no medical history. So, why was there a difference in price?
When I spoke to the customer representative from my health insurance provider, they informed me that while my health was great, women in my age bracket typically pay more based on pre-set standards that all health insurance companies follow. I don’t know if this is true or not, but it was upsetting to hear because it wasn’t fair! He went on to inform me that while I may be in great health, statistically speaking, women take advantage of health care benefits more than men do. In other words, they go for annual checkups as well as preventative checkups. Additionally, we’re women which means that we have to deal with other issues that men don’t have to deal with such as becoming pregnant and regular gynecological appointments. So, if I was understanding correctly, women were being penalized for being responsible adults? It didn’t make any sense.
All of this made me reflect on my situation. If I were to lose my job, that would mean that I would have to somehow cover ALL of my health insurance expenses myself, and at the rate I am being charged, I would have no choice but to go without coverage and hope that nothing bad happens. This is the reality of the situation that many out there are already facing or about to face.