Number of Uninsured American Adults Hits Record High (Nearly 50 million)

[Purveyor]

Source: U.S. News

TUESDAY, Nov. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 50 million Americans have gone without health insurance for at least part of the past year -- up from 46 million people in 2008, federal health officials reported Tuesday.

Those people included not only those Americans living in poverty, but an increasing number of middle-income people, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The bottom line is that uninsurance of young and middle-class adults increased by 4 million people from 2008 to the first quarter of 2010," CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden said during a news conference Tuesday.

What's more, the number of people without insurance for a year or more increased from 27.5 million in 2008 to 30.4 million in the first quarter of 2010, Frieden said. "That's an increase of 3 million of chronically uninsured adults."

These findings debunk two myths about health insurance, Frieden said. "The first myth is that it's only the poor who are uninsured. In fact, half of the uninsured are over the poverty level," he said.

Read more: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diabetes/articles/2010/11/09/number-of-uninsured-american-adults-hits-record-high.html

[bloomington-lib]

1. It'd be nice to have 50 million americans vote for someone who wants them to have insurance

[defendandprotect]

11. Perhaps the most important label for a politician .... HUMANIST ...????

UN HUMAN RIGHTS MANIFESTO --

Food, Shelter, Clothing -- and MEDICAL CARE!!



:)

[maryf]

28. yep

:thumbsup:

[dflprincess]

31. I'd rather vote for someone who wants us to have access to health care

Ask all those people who thought they were "covered" and still wound up bankrupt because of medical bills.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

33. Health care, not health insurance. Ins adds NO value, provides nothing

We need health care. Medicare for all. Cut out the middle man.

[Lorien]

51. Yep. I dropped my "insurance" because in 16 years I had paid

$82,000 into it in the form of premiums, deductibles and co-pays. In return I got all of $200.00 worth of "coverage". Now I just save what I can and spend money on organic foods and supplements to try to keep myself as healthy as possible. Besides, I simply can't afford $850.00 a month on my meager part time teacher's salary and what little I make on freelance.

[HockeyMom]

2. Better off with NO insurance, than CRAPPY insurance

Been through both. With the crappy insurance, couldn't find a doctor to take that insurance. If they did, they wanted the FULL AMOUNT up front and YOU get the insurance to reimburse you.

No job, no insurance? We will charge you next to nothing, pay $5 a week, and here is FREE meds from our sample closet.

[mzmolly]

3. Bologna.

I've been through both as well. It's better to have insurance. Especially if you can't be dropped when you get sick.

[HockeyMom]

8. I once spent two hours on the phone

trying to find a doctor to see my sick daughter with a crappy HMO. The doctor we had been seeing for years dropped the insurance we had. Could have kept seeing him, if we wanted to pay the entire amount ourselves.

So I got on the phone calling and calling. The first thing they asked was what insurance we had. When they heard, they either said they only took PPO, or that they weren't accepting any new patients. I must have called about about 15 doctors in a 20 mile radius. I finally went to a low cost clinic who advertised they turned nobody away. Yep, they took "new patients" and even HMO. When my husband was out of work and we had no benefits at all, I went back to this same clinic when my daughter, and me, were sick. He charged $25 for the visit and we paid nothing for the meds from the samples he had. He said we could come back for more meds and would not be charged for another office visit.

BTW, as of January, I will paying $159 a month (just for me) with a $3,500 deductible for my employer insurance. My husband's (him only) is $125 a month with a $2,000 deductible. Think either of us will be going to doctors any time soon? Insurance is good? In our cases, only if we have a major illness and need to be hospitalized.

[defendandprotect]

12. This is simply more capitalistic crime ... when are we moving on??!!

[mzmolly]

20. So you had bad experiences prior to reform?

We pay about the same in premiums for our family. Our deductibles just went up to a mn of $2500 because my husband's company and/or their insurance company used hc reform as an excuse to gouge employees. However, we can't afford to go without health care. We have more than one person in the family with a pre-existing condition. I'm glad that we can't be dropped when/if we really need insurance. It's great to have a low deductible, but it doesn't mean much if insurance companies can cap the amount they pay when you're ill, and/or drop you in such cases. The legislation that passed is designed to prevent these kinds of abuses.

BTW, I've never believed this reform was anything more than a step forward. I've never felt it was the optimal solution. In fact, I prefer a single payer system. BUT, I acknowledge the progress that has been made with the legislation in question.

[laughingliberal]

27. The bronze plans in the exchanges have a deductible of $5,500 for indviduals & actuarial value...

of 60%

<It's great to have a low deductible, but it doesn't mean much if insurance companies can cap the amount they pay when you're ill, and/or drop you in such cases. >

They can't just drop you when you get sick but they are allowed to place annual caps on coverage for conditions.

Actually, as far as I can tell, the only penalty for dropping coverage when you get sick is a fine which will, of course, be a lot cheaper for them than covering your treatments.

[mzmolly]

32. Annual caps are being phased out over three years, according to the AARP.

On Sept. 23, lifetime limits are effectively banned for all plans that begin or are renewed after that date. Insurance companies can no longer cut off policy holders when their medical expenses reach a lifetime limit. Annual limits on coverage will be phased out over the next few years, beginning this year.

http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/info-08-2010/hcr_explained.html

[laughingliberal]

35. Oh, good. Just don't get any expensive illnesses for a few years and you're good to go! nt

[mzmolly]

36. Or, don't EVER get sick because we stopped reform, as it wasn't "progressive" enough

for ME.

[laughingliberal]

37. With all due respect, you have coverage and, apparently, a job.

You'll forgive me if I'm not cheering, yet. My husband sits here with serious chronic conditions and no way to see a doctor or afford any coverage at all and we have no income. And a bunch of happy talking about insurance plans with $5000 deductibles just doesn't have us rolling in throws of ecstacy.

I've always said this would be a better plan for the fairly well off than they have now so, congratulations. We're happy, happy, happy for those who made out on this.

[mzmolly]

38. Do you qualify for the expansion in medicaid?

I'm not saying this bill is perfect. FAR FROM IT. I'm saying that it's far better than no reform. It's a place to start.

[laughingliberal]

39. No. Our state does not cover poor adults who are not disabled or who don't have children

or who are not already qualified for Medicare.

The bill only expands income levels that would be covered, not categories.

[mzmolly]

40. Are you certain? I thought the expansion in income levels rectified the exclusion,

in many cases? I'd verify your assumption with your state, if you haven't already. It seems that if you have no income, you should be covered by some program?

[laughingliberal]

44. I have seen nothing in the bill about Medicaid except they have to raise the income levels

Here's the information from their website:

https://dwss.nv.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=247

There are already some who can qualify at income levels as high or higher than the HCR bill requires but a poor adult with no children who is not considered disabled or on Medicare is not eligible. Our state is not known for caring much about people with no money.

The bill left a lot of people out and a lot of them were people who needed the help the most.

[mzmolly]

45. I hope that progress continues.

I'm sorry that you've not been impacted in a positive manner, yet. Again, I hope that changes asap now that we have a foundation.

Peace

[laughingliberal]

46. Well, I'm not holding my breath

Have you seen this?

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/09/health-care-quote-of-the-day/#ixzz14qy15Rc2

Obviously, the insurance companies are happy with the mandate. I believe the bill will be changed but it's just as likely any changes will be for the worse.

I foresee the insurance companies going to work and chipping away at it until the mandate is all that's left.

[mzmolly]

50. They fought reform tooth and nail. They pressed for a much larger

tax penalty. So, yeah they like the mandate, but they feel the tax penalty is far too low to enforce it.

Here's why health insurance corporations fought reform:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/22/health-reform-bill-summary_n_508315.html#s75147

As Ezra Klein pointed out, the maximum penalty will amount to about $55 monthly. The minimum, about $10 a month. If nothing else, that's an excellent deal for what now amounts to catastrophic coverage if you get sick. My dh (a type 1 diabetic) paid almost $900 a month for catastrophic coverage when he was in his early twenties. Eventually he had to go without.

I would encourage to you calculate your subsidy and not assume the worst.

http://healthreform.kff.org/SubsidyCalculator.aspx

Best of luck, once again.

[DollyM]

25. wish I knew where to find that . . .

I am looking at a bill for $320.00 from my ortho Dr for the shots in my knees that help me hang on a few more months at a time since I can't afford the necessary knee replacement surgery without insurance. I am making payments to them as my job is only 32 hours a week (but at least I have one!) and barely over minimum wage.

[Merlot]

48. What world is this you speak of?

"We will charge you next to nothing, pay $5 a week" is something I personally have NEVER heard. Usually if you don't have insurance you pay top dollar (lower fees are for insurance companies because they buy in bulk) and it's expected up front. And you're kind of looked down upon by the front desk staff.

If you go to emergency they will treat you and then sic the collection agencies on you.

It's a myth that you can get free medical care without insurance while under 65.

[Lorien]

54. Um, Medicaid.

My friend Paul's son fell off a skateboard and broke his leg last year. Since Paul's income fell below the poverty line Medicaid picked up the $48,000 tab. Paul is responsible for $2,300 of that, which he has several years to pay down. Of course, repugs want to do away with that.

[Lorien]

53. Ain't THAT the truth!

"Affordable" insurance IS complete crap, too.

[jtuck004]

4. A focus on jobs for 30+ million unemployed or underemployed

people might have, or might still, help with that.

[Doctor_J]

5. Medicare for all

fucking corporatist dictatorship. 50 million angry citizens and their sympathizers could do some serious damage at the ballot box and in the streets.

[chervilant]

49. Actually,

I'm anticipating the 'damage in the streets'!!!

And, finally, I get to comment on MY current 'health care' debacle. I have no insurance, since I've been unemployed or underemployed for the past three years. Here's a list of my presenting problems:

~chronic, sometimes debilitating, lower back pain from a serious injury almost two years ago.

~carpal tunnel in my left wrist, with almost constant numbness during the day, and pain severe enought to wake me during the night.

~tinnitus, ranging in severity from low-frequency white noise to a higher-frequency loud whine, depending on the amount of moisture in my inner ear.

~arthritis in my right hip and both knees; thankfully, not too bad if the weather holds.

~two molars that are missing rather large fillings, one of which sheared in half after the filling fell out. This is particularly frustrating, since I used to have regular cleanings and check-ups back when I had insurance.

~poor eyesight that used to warrant a pair of glasses and/or contacts to correct my vision--BUT, no glasses or contacts for the past two years.

Sigh... I hate to even look at this list, much less deal with the reality of it day in and day out.

I have to keep telling myself things could be worse. I could be living on the sunny slopes of Merapi...

[kestrel91316]

6. That's about 1 in 6. When it hits 1 in 3 in just a few more years,

Single Payer will finally be "on the table".

[SharonAnn]

7. Is this 1 in 6 of those not on Medicare? Or 1 in 6 including those on Medicare?

[Exilednight]

19. 50 million in a popultion of 300 million. 1 in 6 including Medicare. n/t

[defendandprotect]

13. How much pain, suffering and death before then ....

the guillotine may be back before we get MEDICARE FOR ALL --

either for them or for us!!??

I think the public has had enough "cake" -- !!!


:evilgrin:

[zipplewrath]

15. And the GOP will be in charge

So, like prescription coverage, it will be brought to us by the GOP. I can't wait to see what kind of mandates THEY pass.

[burnsei sensei]

17. And truly, it is only a matter of time.

Politicians practice the "art of the possible."
But "the possible" is not determined by politicians, but by circumstances.
No matter how they spin it, they're still just responding as the world turns.
Politicians lead no one and nothing.

[TxVietVet]

26. AS you stated, I believe that when 30% of the population

is without adequate health care, it's going to be a disaster to someone. Hopefully, the really dumb, gullable Americans who voted for the conservanazis are affected FIRST!

[lib2DaBone]

9. One of these days the American Workers will get fed up with this and act...

Until then the Tea Baggers will control everything and people will work for less than minimum wage with no health care. What a great country... the wealthy wont even let their servants see a doctor.

[ProudDad]

42. I hate to break it to you

but most of the tea baggers are "American Workers"...they just don't recognize it...

The vast majority in this country just don't believe that they're just wage slaves. That all capitalism does for them is chew them up and spit them out...including most "liberals"...and certainly most Dems...

So it's not a republican disease, or a tea-bagger disease...

It's a general psychosis...

There's a class war going on and the wrong class is winning...

[defendandprotect]

10. And how many more to be added in the next two years? Ironically,

after insurance companies raise their profits -- eh, rates -- so high that no

one can afford them and further no one can actually find any health care under

them and leave the plans .... THEN the insurance companies work to FORCE citizens

to sign up for their worthless plans!!

[lovuian]

14. our Medical system is in a implode and collapse

50 million

there will be more and more

[coffee bean]

16. Seems to me there's also a shortage of doctors

Ever try to make an appointment with a dermatologist?

Your skin is all messed up, you need to get in TODAY and the best they can do is "squeeze" you in in about 3 months...

[Boudica the Lyoness]

23. That happened to me

I noticed a mole had changed in a hard to see area of my body...I was in a panic but every fucking dermatologist I called said I had to wait three months to see them! I wasn't worried about a few zits, I thought my life was in danger.

[juxtaposed]

18. just can't wait for the GOP to solve this

[Exilednight]

21. I am glad to see that the "mandate" is working out .........

Yes, I know the mandate doesn't take effect until 2012, but what happens in 2012 when there's a good possibility of another 10 million people in that number? Is the IRS going to fine people who can't afford health-care in the first place?

[Crunchy Frog]

22. Sadly, many Americans would rather die themselves

than know that some of their tax dollars were going to help other Americans, so many of the ones who need this law the most are also the most offended by it.

Americans hatred for other Americans is going to be the downfall of this nation.

[TxVietVet]

24. Interesting. And the Boner is going to fix it how?

By cutting off the only avenue of hope. I can't wait to see how the conservanazis lie their way out ot this one.:freak:

[ProudDad]

43. They'll probably have about the same odds

as the "centrist", blue-dog, DLC dems did over the last 2 years...

They'll keep all of the ideas that would work "off the table" just like Obama did and do the shit that makes the most money for the for-profit health insurance mafia and Big PhRMA -- the capitalist masters -- just like Obama did...

They don't have to "compromise" since they're all capitalist tools...

[laughingliberal]

47. Oh, they'll 'fix' it, alright...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4608400&mesg_id=4608664

[maryf]

29. K&Rnt

[lib2DaBone]

30. Coverage is down.. costs are thru the roof... I dont think this is improvement....

[DeSwiss]

34. K&R

CAPITALISM: An economic system whereby investment bankers and owners of corporations profit by making us all sick and eventually kill us with their pollution, poisons and the degradation of the environment upon which we depend to survive. And then they later charge us exorbitant prices for the pills and potions with which we might forestay our inevitable untimely deaths. Unless we can't afford it. In which case we are no longer of any use to the system.

~DeSwiss

[ProudDad]

41. You know the number in Cuba?

Zero in 6 are without medical coverage...

Japan, Germany, Italy, Netherlands -- ZERO in 6 without medical coverage...

Great Britain, Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand -- BINGO -- ZERO in 6...

Switzerland, Spain, South Korea -- Yep, ZERO in 6...

Canada, Mexico, Israel -- You got it! ZERO in 6 don't have access to Health Care...

But none of them allow the profit motive to dictate the Health Care System's makeup...

It's the profit motive, stupid...

Improved and Enhanced Medicare for All!

[cyborg1966]

52. Eventually it's going to come down to a revolt...

Republicans do not want everyone covered.

Democrats have been too timid on the issue...Clinton caved in '94 and Obama caved on the "public option," let alone true UNIVERSAL coverage.

Eventually it's going to come down to some kind of revolt...with people just flat-out refusing to pay exhorbitant medical bills and insurance premiums.

It will be ugly. If people are getting sick and dying (and they are) under the current non-system, imagine how it will be if Republicans succeed in quashing any kind of reform.

But maybe it will force a collapse of the current non-system and something new can be put in its place...like single-payer.

[Lorien]

55. Sadly the only thing that Americans will ever revolt over is cable TV

If they lost their cable THEN they would be in the streets. Nothing else seems to matter. :-(