Overview
In 2010, health insurance still remains a widespread debate among people from every social class and walk of life. How to get it and how to pay for it is one of the main concerns among humans and especially those who have children to care for. Cover The Uninsured reports that as of 2010, nine million children are uninsured in the U.S. Health insurance is like a security blanket for children; it protects them when something goes wrong with their health and can prevent illness from attacking.
Reasons
When people think of uninsured children, they often think of those who are homeless or whose parents are very impoverished. Cover The Uninsured points out that eight out of 10 children who have no health insurance are from working families. These families may stem from two parents who work 40 hours a week but no insurance is offered where they work. Another circumstance may be that the family cannot afford to buy into their employer’s health plan and reject the plan because the monthly premiums are too high. Children from these families do not qualify for government-run programs because they are just over the poverty level.
Short-Term Risks
There are several short-term risks for children not having insurance. Kaiser states that infants who are uninsured have a death risk that is 1.5 times higher than infants who are insured. The reason for this is when a child is uninsured, his parents are less likely to take him to the doctor or emergency room when he becomes ill. This leads to many health problems going untreated.
Long-Term Risks
One of the biggest long-term risks to not receiving medical care is early prevention of illness or disease. There are several medical conditions that can be treated such as blood disorders, kidney disease and heart problems. If a condition is not diagnosed and treated early on, it could eventually lead to severe medical complications or even death. MedlinePlus states that some cancers in children can occur rapidly but have a very high cure rate. An early diagnosis followed up with intensive treatment may be the only way to battle a serious life-threatening disease. A child who misses an annual physical or doesn’t get a lump checked out may be at risk for the diseases taking over and invading nearby organs.
Medications
Medication plays an important role in preventative medicine. Most medications can be costly, especially if they are needed on a regular basis. If a child is uninsured, he likely has no prescription coverage. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that over three million children are hospitalized each year. Some of these cases are due to failure to receive preventative medication for chronic infection and disease.
Costs
Children who do not have health insurance may end up costing the nation more money long term. The Heritage Foundation states that uninsured patients rack up over 34.6 billion dollars in state, federal and local spending each year. This costs tax payers money and also causes the cost of medical supplies and health care to go up in both the private and public health sectors.
About this Author
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
