assurance santé protects individuals against the financial risk of high medical costs. It also helps promote and maintain good health. Medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States and having insurance can help individuals avoid the stress and expense of medical debt. Health coverage is available through many sources, including the Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment, and private insurers offering individual and family plans.
A growing body of evidence supports the link between access to healthcare and positive outcomes in health and well-being. For example, studies show that children who are enrolled in Medicaid as babies are more likely to complete high school and college and earn more as adults. Medicaid has been a critical component of our nation’s health care system for decades, and it continues to play a vital role under the Affordable Care Act.
With more than 97 million low-income Americans enrolled, Medicaid provides quality, affordable health care to help families get and stay healthy. Since it began providing quality, low-cost health insurance in the 1960s, millions of poor families have been able to see a doctor, which has led to dramatic reductions in infant mortality and rates of infectious disease like influenza and pneumonia.
Today, more families than ever are covered by the Medicaid expansion, which covers everyone from babies to seniors. Medicaid has also helped transform the long-term care system, shifting more seniors and people with disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions into home and community-based services, and helping them to live independently for as long as possible.
The ACA requires that all individual and small group health plans cover essential benefits, such as preventive, mental health, and reproductive services. The Trump administration and some members of Congress have proposed measures that would weaken or eliminate these requirements. Learn more about what these proposals could mean for you.
Even with a deductible, health insurance offers significant cost savings for office visits and medications. It also allows individuals to see a larger pool of providers and can often lead to more personalized health care and better patient-doctor relationships. Additionally, individuals can take advantage of tax benefits such as deducting medical expenses on their taxes.
No one is immune to an injury or illness, and unexpected high costs can strain any budget. That’s why having health coverage is so important. Health coverage helps to ease the burden of medical bills and can provide peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected. This is especially true for young and healthy individuals, who may not think they need health insurance. However, it’s still important to be covered, as medical emergencies can arise at any time. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find and enroll in affordable health insurance. And, with the upcoming 2022 ACA open enrollment period, there’s no better time to start shopping for your ideal plan.