Finding Health Insurance for the Newly Unemployed
Many Americans between the ages of 50-64 are losing their health insurance according to the article “Health Insurance Hard to Find for the Newly Unemployed” by Richard Martin TampaBay.com. The reason these people are losing their insurance so rapidly is because of rising unemployment and an increasing number of businesses unable to afford health insurance for their employees.
The AARP estimates that approximately 7 million people between 50-64 are uninsured. This number is growing rapidly and causing much stir in the health care debate in Washington DC. Until recently, most of the focus has been placed on the young uninsured or Medicare for over 65.
The main problem with this generation losing their health insurance is this is when they need it most. Finding health insurance for this group can be challenging as well. Individual health insurance plans for those over 50 cost much more than employer sponsored plans. Many plans exclude pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or depression, conditions that often come with age. Studies show that uninsured people are more likely to put off treatment which can lead to declining health. It’s a vicious cycle that hopefully Congress can end.
