The number and percentage of Americans without health insurance are dropping to record lows, thanks to changes in policies designed to help people obtain and maintain coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recent decision by several states to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. Nevertheless, a considerable number of people in the United States are still uninsured or with inadequate coverage, a situation that will worsen when some temporary pandemic measures expire. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 9.2% of Americans do not have health coverage. This figure is higher for certain demographics, such as women aged 50-64 who report that health insurance is too expensive.
Young people in good health may also be more likely to go without insurance, believing that they don't need it yet. The primary purpose of health insurance is to help people receive medical care in a timely manner and to protect them from catastrophic costs in the event of a serious illness. It also provides financial protection against out-of-pocket health care expenses, medical bills, and debts. The deductible is an indicator of the financial protection offered by a health plan, as well as the risk of incurring costs before a person receives medical care. Children are generally considered to be in good health compared to adults, because the most serious health problems occur later in life.
However, it is essential for all Americans to have access to quality health insurance coverage in order to ensure health equity and reduce disparities in access to care. The number of uninsured Americans has been decreasing over the past few years due to changes in policies and expansions of Medicaid eligibility. However, there are still many people who lack adequate coverage or are uninsured altogether. This is especially true for certain demographics such as women aged 50-64 and young people who may not think they need insurance yet. Health insurance is important for all Americans in order to ensure access to quality care and reduce disparities in access.
