Posted: 04/17/08
Individual Health Insurance Coverage Lessens ER Visits
According to the 2005 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, individuals without health insurance coverage were twice as likely to visit the ER than those with insurance. Conversely, physician office visits were considerably higher for individuals with health insurance coverage. So how does this affect the health of Americans?Without individual health insurance coverage, many people postpone a doctor visit they can't afford in hopes that the condition will improve. However, when common illnesses and injuries go untreated they progress into more serious conditions which require immeditate attention. Not only is the risk to the health of the individual in greater risk, the out-of-pocket costs skyrocket. A doctor visit turns into a much more expensive trip to the emergency room, and the effort to save money has negative outcomes all around.
