Affordable Health Insurance Pushed Back by Recent NewsJuly 2008
Diabetes, and therefore diabetes treatments, are on the rise in this country - and so are their costs, a very unpleasant fact that's likely to keep
medical insurance prices too high for many Americans.
The
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a study regarding diabetes that doesn't say much for our health, or our hopes to create a more affordable health insurance plan nationwide. There has been a
substantial rise in diabetes over the last two years, and today 8% of the country's entire population is diabetic.
Even worse, there's another 57 million men, women and children out there who are what medical professionals call "pre-diabetic," meaning that they will also soon find themselves facing the number 7 cause of death in the United States.
Medical insurance costs have reacted to this rise in diabetes with a parallel rise in their premiums, especially since the cause of type 2 diabetes is often associated with poor diet, excessive weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle. In 2007, the nationwide costs for diabetes were over $174 billion dollars.
And the news for older Americans is also grim - many of them are struggling to find
affordable health insurance until they reach 65 and can qualify for Medicare, but even Medicare won't cover everything they'll need, particularly for those men and women who suffer the consequences of diabetes, including amputations, blindness, and both heart and kidney disease.
In 2008, 25% of Americans aged 60 and older were diabetic.
So what can be done? Medical insurance costs will keep going up for those with pre-existing conditions unless health care legislation finds its way to the White House; but in the mean time shopping around aggressively to
compare health insurance plans can help many consumers find the coverage they need, and can finally afford.
And Medicare supplemental health insurance is also a good idea for those who fear that Medicare won't cover 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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Any person with diabetes should work hard to keep it under control, since this minimizes the likelihood of serious complications that can be both life-threatening and expensive.
And, leading a healthier lifestyle, maintaining a healthier weight, and avoiding bad behaviors like smoking are all ways to keep insurance costs down, and will help all consumers to find and qualify for a more affordable health insurance plan.
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