Uninsured Cancer Patients Twice as Likely To Die

According to Yahoo News, US cancer patients with insurance do better! This may be obvious. Of course people with insurance are more likely to get regular checkups. Apparently doctors are sensitive to the types (or lack) of insurance poeple have, and are more likely to order tests and admit patients to the hospital when they know the bill will be covered.

However you may feel about people getting coverage, we have to wonder if a death sentence is a fair punishment.

Some are enrolled in Medicaid or other programs after diagnosis, when the condition worsens and their finances erode. But such 11th hour coverage can be too late; early detection is the key to catching many cancers before they’ve grown beyond control, experts said.

“Insurance makes a big difference in how early you are detecting disease,” said Ken Thorpe, an Emory University health policy researcher.

If you can possibly afford health insurance, even a major medical plan with a high deductible, it would be a great idea to consider coverage now, while you are still healthy. Also explore federal, state programs, and county programs to protect you from serious illness. The federal government as Medicaid and CHIPS (for kids). State programs usually have high risk pools for people who cannot qualify for individual programs. Counties may have programs that are based on sliding scales by income.

And do not assume you cannot find affordable health insurance. Online quote forms can put you in touch with experienced health insurance agents. Go ahead and tell them what you can afford, what barriers you think you have, and let them work for your business. A good health insurance agent should be able to tell you your options, and you will have options!

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Health Insurance

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cancer, chemo no health insurance, no health insurance, uninsured

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