The uninsured are individuals and families who are not covered by private health insurance or governmental health programs.  This site will serve as a guide to assist the uninsured in understanding and obtaining private health insurance.  It also will provide information for obtaining health benefits when purchasing your own coverage or qualifying for public government programs is not possible. 

HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM?

There are approximately 305 million people living in the United States today. Out of that number, estimates are that 47 million or 16% of this total population are without health insurance. 

FACTS ABOUT THE UNINSURED

The uninsured are usually middle aged or younger.  This is because of Medicare, the federal government program that provides medical coverage for citizens over the age of 65.

The largest adult segment of the uninsured is adults from 18 through 35 years of age.

Children make up fewer of the uninsured than those in the adult category due to public government programs, but 12% of all children are without health insurance.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH BEING UNINSURED

In America today, lack of ability to pay medical bills remains one of the primary reasons for declaring bankruptcy.  Without health insurance, an illness or accident can easily financially ruin a lot of people.  Bills can run in the tens of thousands for an accident or a week in the hospital.

The uninsured have a heavier burden in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment than those that have health benefits available to them.

They are more likely to have a higher number of chronic diseases than the insured and are more likely to die during a hospital stay.           

Uninsured persons upon reaching the age of 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare, present many more illnesses than those of the insured and place a bigger finanicial strain on the Medicare system.

Because it is difficult for uninsured childern to receive regular health check-ups, they miss more school days than insured children.

For the sake of your health and financial well being, it is vital to do what is required to educate yourself concerning health insurance and how to manage without it.