By: Hannah Waters
Two years ago Massachusetts made a law that requires all those living in the state to have health insurance. There are so many different companies that offer health insurance and so many different types of coverage that it is difficult to know which one will be best for you…let alone figure out if you would be able to afford it.
The truth of the matter is that if something happens to you and you end up needing surgery, X-rays, or any other medical tests that cost money, you will be paying much more money if you do not have health insurance. But that doesn’t change the fact that many cannot afford health insurance for themselves and their families.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), since the law in Massachusetts has been enforced, over 350,000 people have signed up for health insurance. This number has reduced the amount of those not insured by half. Those who thought they still did not need health insurance received a $219 penalty on their 2007 tax returns.
However, for those who still cannot afford it there is still hope for some of them. State judges will determine if health insurance is unreachable for you and will help you out. However, those suffering the most are between the ages of 50 to 64 and are still unable to afford insurance but are not being helped.
The problem is that the costs are just too high for these residents of Massachusetts to pay. Although it is the law, they are unable to make the payments and are not yet getting any help. Although the law has benefitted many by forcing them to purchase health insurance, there are still many who are left without because of the high cost of premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
Many people throughout the United States struggle to afford health insurance and are left without. Although there appears to be many reforms that are trying to change the health care in the United States, there are always flaws in the reform and many that still go without getting what is needed. However, national healthcare such as is offered in other countries is not always the best approach either.
There must be some middle ground that is able to benefit everyone (but believe me I am definitely not someone who is able to come up with an easy solution)! The question is, although this Massachusetts reform has helped many find health insurance, is it for the greater good? And if so, how can it once again be reformed to include everyone?
To help you start saving for your health insurance I would recommend using ING Direct Money Market Savings. I use ING Direct and it is so simple and easy to transfer money in and out when you need it. Using ING Direct gives you a higher interest rate. It has helped me save a lot of money for my student loans and other expenses by seperating it from my main bank account (out of site, out of mind type of deal). Check out our MarketPlace here to find out more information on savings accounts that can help you out!
Photo: Mary R. Vogt
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