The one thing just about everyone will agree on is that the whole health care reform debate has many people disagreeing. Emotions are running high, as Americans consider a complete overhaul of our health care system.
Let’s take a look at how some of the health care proposals might affect Floridians.
1. There could actually be a lot of money saved. Health care companies are losing over 3.4 billion dollars from bad debt. This cost can get passed along to you, as a type of “tax”. In other words, you are paying higher premiums to help the insurance company cover part of that bad debt. If more preventative care and improvement in our health system would occur, our health care facilities and providers would be able to provide better care.
2. Floridians have seen tremendous increases in their premiums since 2000. There has been an 88% increase overall. If health care reform happens over 3 million Floridians would be eligible for health care credits which will decrease the financial burden for everyone.
3. Small businesses face special challenges trying to provide health insurance to their employees. The health care reform proposed will allow for tax credits, and a variety of health care plans. This will make it much more affordable.
4. Many people would agree that health care companies can get away with a lot. There will be better monitoring of this process, as well as not allowing health care companies to cap out benefits. Also- there will be better monitoring of how much out of pocket expenses a health care member must absorb. Sometimes the cost of co pays for medications and Dr’s visits can prevent those covered from accessing any type of health care except in an emergent situation.
5. Most people would agree that preventative health care is best. When high co pays, or lack of insurance altogether prevent people from getting check ups, catastrophic events can occur. Then many, many dollars are spent trying to fix a problem that could have been easily prevented. Investing in our health through preventative practices could make the greatest impact on the health of our nation.
Right now, over 18 % of children in our state are considered obese. As theses kids get older, their chances of poor health will increase without interventions.
6. Right now, statistics show that 21% of Floridians are uninsured, and 73% of them are in families with at least one full-time worker.
7. If you are someone with preexisting conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, for example, you may find it very difficult to obtain cheap medical insurance right now. Health care reform will help correct that imbalance, and get Floridians the care they need.
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