The Downward Economy Has Directly Effected Medical Coverage PDF Print E-mail
Written by Ethan Kalvin   
Tuesday, 27 April 2010 10:11
There are have an increase in health care issues, since the rise of the unemployment rate in the United States. Many Americans receive their health care coverage through their place of employment, as well as other types of insurance including life insurance and accidental death insurance, and when they find themselves out of a job they also find themselves without this coverage. So now we have many Americans not only without a job and a decreased income, but without the resources needed to provided adequate medical coverage for themselves or their families.
by EthanKalvin


There are have an increase in health care issues, since the rise of the unemployment rate in the United States. Many Americans receive their health care coverage through their place of employment, as well as other types of insurance including life insurance and accidental death insurance, and when they find themselves out of a job they also find themselves without this coverage. So now we have many Americans not only without a job and a decreased income, but without the resources needed to provided adequate medical coverage for themselves or their families.

Although those that are unemployed can always purchase a private medical coverage plan, this is a very expensive option and many are forced to decide between medical coverage or food on the table. Although the majority of unemployed Americans receive some sort of financial unemployment assistance, however this is a significant decrease from the income that they were once bringing home, therefore it is not sufficient enough to provide for living expenses, bills and medical coverage.

Many of you have heard of COBRA and are probably saying to yourself that this should be sufficient enough for unemployed individuals to maintain their medical cover. Although this is generally true, there is a major flaw in the coverage provided through COBRA. COBRA will end up costing an unemployed individuals a lot more money, for the same level of coverage, that was provided by their employer, since their is no longer a company supplementing the premiums. So although COBRA is there to assist the unemployed, it actually will end up costing them double for health insurance coverage.

COBRA was being supplemented, by the federal government, for a short period of time. Although this additional funding was available to unemployed Americans, many were aware of its existence and those that new about the additional funding still found that the amount was not sufficient enough for them to continue carrying medical coverage.

Since Medicaid does cover health insurance for low income children, at least this provides some of those unemployed workers with insurance for at least a portion of their family. Adults however are provided no assistance under the Medicaid program leaving many of those who are out of work without health insurance until such time as they regain steady employment. Unfortunately unemployment and lack of health insurance seem to walk hand in hand.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

If you are attempting to obtain quotes on individual health insurance policies go to www.gohealthinsurance.com. They will offer you quotes from various medical insurance companies, which provides you the opportunity to find suitable and affordable coverage.