Part I of this two-part series focused on that 15 percent
of the United States population that is without health
benefits. It was disturbing to learn that 80 percent of
uninsured households have at least one parent working
full-time, and still they are without health benefits.
But there is another trend in the US that is more
startling! Shrinking health benefits for employed Americans
AND retirees alike. What is even more disturbing is that,
because health benefits are shrinking a little bit at a
time, many people don't realize it's impact until it's too
late.
Deductibles rise and restrictions are placed on the kinds
of services that are available. Dental, vision,
chiropractic care and prescription drugs are all targets
for restricted services or payout limits. In addition, both
employer and government-sponsored health benefits programs
are requiring larger contributions from the "insured".
In March 2006, Jim Jubak (investment guru) wrote about how
his father's pension check was cut in half because the
company that he retired from upped his health benefits
contribution by $170 a month-with no notice!
According to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the
Uninsured, the average cost of employer-sponsored health
care plans was $3695 for an individual and $9950 for a
family. The employee's average contribution to this plan
was $2261, which is more than a 160 percent increase [from
2000 to 2004].
Who should we blame? Highly paid doctors and pharmaceutical
companies for skyrocketing healthcare costs? Large
companies for not seeing the impact that the aging Baby
Boomers would have on their ability to take care of their
retired employees? The federal government for not
legislating a fix to an overwhelming problem?
The fact is that everyone and no one is to blame. And the
problem isn't getting any smaller, not for a long time.
Fortunately, there are some problem solvers out there. And
once again, they come in the form of Consumer Driven Health
benefits programs. These programs offer something called
"Supplemental Health Benefits" packages. And they work like
this. For a small monthly fee, supplemental health program
members get discounted rates on the very health services
insurance companies are cutting. And the discounts are
sizable. AmeriPlan reports up to 80% savings to its members
for dental care alone. What's more, anyone can join. No one
is turned down for any reason, including preexisting health
or dental conditions.
The challenges of the US health care system have not gone
away. The problems run deep and wide. For those of us who
need complete health services-and peace of
mind-Supplemental Health Benefits may be the answer.
----------------------------------------------------
Jim Martinez is a National Sales Director for AmeriPlan
USA, offering discount health benefits programs that
include ongoing medical conditions, starting at just $29.95
per month. For more information on AmeriPlan Health,
Dental, Vision, Prescription and Chiropractic Benefits and
more health related articles, visit
http://www.familydentalhealthplans.com .
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