The U.S. Census Bureau released data this week revealing Florida has the second-highest number of uninsured residents from across the nation. According to the Small Area Health Insurance Estimates report, in 2013, 24.3 percent of residents were without health insurance. The rate has declined since 2010, when 25.3 percent were reported as having no health insurance. Central and South Florida were reported as having the greatest amount of uninsured residents.
Finances are often cited as the reason why most people do not have health insurance. “Costly medical bills contribute to the financial demise of many individuals and families,” said Dustyn Shroff, Vice president of GreatFlorida Insurance. “When someone without health insurance faces a serious illness requiring medical attention bills begin to pile up quick, for every test, procedure and ounce of medicine you receive, there is a dollar amount attached.”
Financial research and advisory company, NerdWallet conducted a health study and found medical debt is the largest cause of personal bankruptcy in the U.S. The study also discovered, medical debt is the largest category of consumer debt in collections.
The New York Times, reported on the soaring prices for medical care at hospitals. Patients were charged a variety of prices for a procedure as simple as stitches. One patient who received three stitches was charged $2,229.11, another who received 5 stitches was charged $3,355.96 and a patient who was given 6 stitches during her visit was charged over $3,000.
You cannot prevent accidents or unexpected illnesses and diagnoses during your life. Obtaining health insurance is a step toward not only maintaining a healthy lifestyle but protecting your finances from potential medical bills in the future.
GreatFlorida Insurance is aware that many low-wage and part-time employers do not offer workplace insurance coverage. While group and family health insurance seem to boast better prices, you can still save in individual health care costs.
GreatFlorida Insurance offers a selection of plans and options for health care through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Florida Blue has plans with varying costs and coverage to meet your needs and budget, as well as a Catastrophic Plan for single people under 30 who qualify through financial hardships. Agents at GreatFlorida can help you understand new insurance laws, the difference in plan features, benefits, co-pays, premiums and deductibles to find a health insurance plan that is right for you.
