The lack of health insurance in the United States among some Americans is deemed to affect the spread of COVID-19. As the number of novel coronavirus cases continues to grow, experts now are considering the factors that impact its further spread, and the gaps in health insurance are believed to contribute to its continued rise.
The lack of health insurance
Approximately 27 million Americans are living without any form of health insurance today – that’s nine percent of the total American population. In the state of California, for instance, about three million people do not have insurance, which comprises 1.5 percent of the population. Albeit health officials and policymakers are trying their best to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., these uninsured individuals can pose a major threat.
The Spread of COVID-19
Now, what does the lack of insurance imply? Authorities claim that those who are uninsured may choose to delay testing or treatment for coronavirus because of the concerns associated with healthcare costs.
For this reason, affected individuals may get themselves unchecked or untreated long periods. Whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, they can actually be carriers of the novel coronavirus. Such a scenario can further worsen the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The current health insurance system
The current health insurance system in the U.S. is regarded as capable of handling costs related to emerging diseases such as coronavirus.
Those with health insurance coverage may have the care services they need that get paid by the insurance. However, the cost of care largely depends on the nature of their policy. Some challenging problems include the cost of care going directly to the deductibles or copays given to doctors, which are paid out of pocket by consumers.
For those without health insurance coverage, the healthcare sector pushes the need to provide “free care” without reimbursement, where the government steps in to cover the costs.
The spread of coronavirus among the uninsured
The daunting reality is that those people who are uninsured are more likely to get the virus because they tend to be those with lower incomes due to the lower chances of getting healthcare. They are also those who have less than high school education and work in low wage jobs.
Another glaring concern is how these uninsured individuals live in highly dense areas with high pollution and limited health resources. For this reason, this vulnerable group is very prone to get the novel coronavirus.
Conclusion
Given the insurance gaps in the U.S., experts in the healthcare industry are finding solutions to protect the Americans, particularly those who are uninsured. It all boils down to the fact that the health insurance coverage should indeed be universal. Everyone must have access to basic healthcare, and, if only possible, health insurance should be made free for everyone.
The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 has tested the current features of the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. In trying times, there is a need to reevaluate the healthcare programs and resources provided to Americans, including health insurance.
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