'Health care spending is rising at a rate five times the rate of inflation.'
'Today's average premium for a family insurance policy -- $9,086 a year already represents 21% of the national median household income of $42,409'
National Coalition on Health Care
'The problem of the uninsured is growing worse. The federal government estimates that 45 million Americans lack coverage of any kind for an entire year. Other research shows that tens of millions more Americans go without health coverage for shorter periods of time.'
'Eight out of 10 uninsured Americans either work or are in working families. Being uninsured means going without needed care. Tragically, it also means that one significant medical expense can wipe out a family's life savings.'
'Without insurance, the cost of care becomes a barrier preventing the uninsured from obtaining recommended health care services and treatment. Nearly half (47%) of the uninsured reported in 2003 that they postponed seeking care because of costs, and about a third did not fill a prescription (37%) or skipped recommended treatment (35%) because of cost.'
Most working families don't have to read the statistics to understand the extent of the problem of health care for families. We are living it every day when we or our children are sick, every payday when we see the huge premium deducted from our checks, and every bill-paying when we pay our out-of-pocket medical and drug expenses.
We need to be smart to find solutions for our family's health care. Parents must take steps to protect their family's health and cope with illness in the crisis state of health care in the U.S.
Protecting Family Health and Coping with Illness
Adopt a healthy lifestyle and prevent illness. It costs less to prevent illness than to treat it. Spend your money wisely. A flu shot might cost you $35, but a week off work, sick-child care arrangements, doctor and drug bills for a flu bout in your family will cost much more. Use illness prevention practices such as frequent handwashing at home and in public places. Strengthen immunity to illnesses with a healthy diet and nutrition, plenty of sleep, stress reduction, and exercise. Schedule well-child (and well-parent) checkups each year to catch diseases early and maintain health.
Find a family doctor and pharmacist and stick with them. A health care provider who knows your family and health history will provide the most consistent quality care for your family. Maintain a good relationship with your health care provider by paying your bills promptly or making arrangements with the billing office to pay small amounts on a regular basis.
Keep good health care records on your family. Organize a family health notebook to begin a proactive approach to maintain family health and disease management. If you or your child have a health condition, educate yourself on managing that condition and follow your doctor's recommendations faithfully. Take advantage of educational and support groups that are cost-effective ways to manage a health condition. Start with the excellent online Health Manager at WebMd.
Find health care and insurance options for your family. Community Health Centers offer sliding scale fees for basic and specialty health care. Children's Health Insurance Plans are often good options for working families. Check eligibility in your state. CovertheUninsuredWeek.org provides excellent state-by-state guides to health insurance coverage options for families.
