Affordable Health Insurance Pushed Back by Recent NewsJuly 2008
Diabetes and diabetes treatments are on the rise - and so are their costs, an unpleasant fact that is likely to keep
medical insurance prices high for many Americans.
This week the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study on diabetes that doesn't bode well for our health, or our hopes for more affordable health insurance. Apparently, there's been a substantial rise in diabetes in the last two years, and now 8% of the country's population is diabetic.
Worse yet, there's another 57 million people out there who are "pre-diabetic," meaning that they too will soon find themselves dealing with the number 7 cause of death in the US.
Medical insurance costs have responded to the rise in diabetes with a similar rise in premiums, particularly since the causes of type 2 diabetes are associated with poor diet, excess weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle. In 2007, the economic costs of diabetes were over $174 billion dollars.
And for older Americans the news is also grim - many are struggling to find
affordable health insurance until they can qualify for Medicare, but even Medicare doesn't cover everything they need, particularly for those who suffer consequences of diabetes like amputations, blindness, and heart and kidney disease.
Last year, 25% of the American population aged 60 and older was diabetic.
So what can we do? Medical insurance costs will continue to be high for those with pre-existing conditions, but shopping around aggressively can help many consumers find coverage they can better afford.
And Medicare supplemental health insurance is a good idea for those who fear that Medicare won't protect them well enough.
Facts on:
Diabetes and Medical Insurance
Did you know...
8% of the U.S. population is now diabetic?
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Anyone with diabetes should work hard to control it, since this minimizes the likelihood of complications that can be life-threatening and expensive.
And leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding behaviors like smoking are all ways to keep costs down, and will help consumers to qualify for a more affordable health insurance plan.
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