Are you part of the shocking 46 million people in America who can't afford healthcare? You would be surprised to find that if you can't afford your health insurance for more than 3 months, you have to pay the government penalties. Even though you can qualify to be exempt from these penalties, it doesn't guarantee that you won't pay them. Yes, you read that right.
While there are many groups of individuals and organizations that are fighting to ensure that you have improved access to healthcare services, it's still not enough. For instance, medical professionals like Dr. Francene Gayle continues to work in low-income communities to ensure that your health care needs are met. Yet, the failure of adequate federal intervention methods still leaves you in a tough position. If you are concerned about your health insurance access, you should keep on reading.
Reform Insurance Marketplaces
There is a need to have urgent action taken to ensure the reforms that are contained in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the American Medical Association, it is essential to foster a health insurance marketplace that caters to you as a lower-income patient. If you are unable to cover your insurance premiums, you should have access to alternative coverage that is affordable and adequate. Alternatively, the federal government can assist people like you by subsidizing the premium coverage. If your insurance service provider is subsidized by the government, you can pay according to what you can afford without worrying about your benefits being reduced.
In addition, the government should look into removing insurance providers that don't cover your preexisting conditions or your other essential health benefits. If you are someone from a low-income group, it is highly likely that you can't afford to pay high premiums or cover any out-of-pocket expenses. This is why state innovation should be encouraged. This should benefit you as various federal insurance programs can be improved or established.
Increase the Clinical Workforce
If you come from a community that is considered low-income you should be used to the shortage of medical professionals in your local health care center. There is an evident shortage of physicians. This shortage that keeps on growing affects your health in different ways. Not only are you subjected to lower-quality care, but you are likely to pay more for your consultations. In addition, you have to deal with medical professionals that are overworked and stressed.
Reduce Strict Regulations
You would be surprised to find out how much red tape like pre-authorization can cost you. The American Medical Association further highlights that when you are waiting for your health insurance service provider to approve your procedure, you are robbed of quality care in your most urgent moment. This is why it is essential for the regulatory bodies to ensure that efficiency in the system is increased.
The Bottom Line
The thing is that you need access to health care to survive in life. Yet, when you come from a disadvantaged background, affording healthcare insurance can mean that there are things that you should sacrifice. Additionally, you have to worry about paying penalties if you can't afford to meet your obligations. Having to live like this is frustrating. Without adequate regulatory measures, these challenges may not be ending for you anytime soon. This is why it is essential for you to be part of the change that should take place.
It's important for you to know what can be done to improve the current status of your access to health care. You don't deserve poor quality care based on your economic status.