When it comes to preparedness, health insurance will always be your best bet. Because one cannot easily determine when he or she will need medical help, having a reliable health insurance plan will be very helpful in covering the costs of treatment and care. There are many factors one must consider before signing up for a health insurance policy. Since there are different types available, one needs to carefully assess his needs and also manage his allotted budget.
What do you need to know about health insurance? How can this help you and your family in times of need? Read on to learn about interesting facts about policies and coverage, so you can make the informed choice when buying health insurance for you and your family.
o In the United States, it has been reported that nearly 45 million Americans have no form of health insurance whatsoever. This accounts for about 15 percent of the total population as of the year 2006. As mentioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among the total population of Hispanics, 32 percent were uninsured. This is compared to 19 percent of all African-Americans, and 10 percent of all whites who do not have health insurance coverage.
o Of all the uninsured persons in the United States, about 7 million were minors, below the age of 18. This accounts for about 10 percent of the below 18 population of the country, as reported by the CDC. According to the new health insurance plan proposed by the administration of President Barack Obama, about $87 billion of government funds will be allotted for the improvement of state insurance programs, as well as the SCHIP, or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This will expect to reduce the number of uninsured children in the country by up to 72 percent, giving minors better opportunities for health care.
o More on the uninsured: what percentage of the population ages 19 to 64 (non-elderly) do not have health insurance? The Kaiser Health Foundation reports that approximately 20 percent of adults in this age group are without any form of health insurance, as of the year 2007. Which states have the most number of uninsured adults? The same site reports that New Mexico and Texas top the list, with about 30 percent of people in this age group without health coverage. On the other hand, Massachusetts has the least uninsured adults, which only comprise about 10 percent of the total age group.
o Which states have the highest number of uninsured children, who are from ages 0 to 18 years old? As the Kaiser Health Foundation statistics present, Texas has about 22 percent of children without health insurance, with Florida following with 19 percent. Massachusetts also has the least percentage in this category, with only about 5 percent of children without health coverage.
o According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 34 percent of the nation has their own private health insurance plans, while nearly half of the population rely on government funded insurance programs. To be more specific, 19 percent are under MediCare, 15 percent under MedicAid and SCHIP, and another 12 percent from other select public insurance providers.
o The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reported in 2007 the insurance companies who have written the most premiums as of that year. Topping the list were UnitedHealth Group owning 11.7 percent of the market share, and WellPoint Inc. Group, with 9.75 percent of the market share. Kaiser Family Foundation follows in third with 7.7 percent market share in that same year. Among the oldest health insurance providers in the country, Blue Cross, is the ninth on the list, with approximately 1.72 percent of the market share.
o When comparing individual insurance plans and group insurance plans, you can expect to save more if you purchase multiple policies. However, according to some people who choose individual policies, they are able to tailor their plans to be in tune with their specific health needs. You can learn more on the pros and cons of these two types of health insurance when you consult with an insurance agent.
o During the economic recession in the United States, there were millions of people who have become unemployed. However, thanks to the new administration and the initiatives of President Obama, these employees can still reap the benefits of their health insurance plans, as the government intends to allot $25 billion. These will cover for as much as 65 percent of each employee’s health insurance premiums, according to a report by Reuters.
o Speaking of employment, even the insurance industry is responsible for contributing to the number of jobs available for people in the United States. In two of the largest states in the country, hundreds of thousands are able to find work through many opportunities provided by the state. In California, about 300,000 employees are in the insurance sector, while in Texas, the figure has reached above 216,000 as of 2006. Other states included among the top in the list are Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
o According to the Health Insurance Association of America, the Franklin Health Insurance Company from Massachusetts was the very first firm to offer accident insurance, and this was in the year 1850. During this time, these policies were made available to employees of railroads and steamboats, who were prone to work-related injuries. Within a few decades, more organizations began to offer this type of insurance policy.
