According to the National Coalition of Health Care, nearly 47 million people in the United States younger than 65 years old did not have health insurance as of 2008. This can result in severe consequences for the uninsured and society as a whole.
Inadequate health insurance coverage can have a negative impact on society.
Prevention/Solution
If you do not have health insurance, it could mean you will visit the doctor less frequently. As a result, potentially life-threatening conditions might not be diagnosed in the early stages.
Financial
Without health insurance, a major medical event that requires hospitalization or extended treatment could create financial hardship, perhaps even resulting in bankruptcy.
Quality of Life
A lack of health insurance could discourage an individual from seeking treatment for a chronic medical condition. This could keep the individual from enjoying a high quality of life.
Income Loss
Uninsured individuals might not be able to receive health care that would allow them to seek gainful employment, meaning they might not be able to live without financial assistance.
Shared Costs
Medical institutions that provide health care to the uninsured might experience financial hardship and might need government assistance to sustain existence. Ultimately, this cost can be passed on to taxpayers.
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