Posted: 03/12/09
The recession has taken its toll across the board, but middle-class and lower-income workers who have lost their jobs have been particularly hard hit by the corresponding lost of healthcare insurance. Many of these Americans can’t afford COBRA coverage and do not qualify for public health programs like Medicaid, so they end up uninsured. Often discount healthcare plans from private insurers are the next option, along with health discount plans.The study, conducted by the advocacy group Families USA, focused on families at about double the poverty level (annual incomes of about $44,100 for a family of four). It concluded that 54 percent of unemployed workers cannot afford private insurance and are not covered under Medicaid. While lawmakers have provided aid to subsidize the cost of COBRA, the cost is still too much for many families.
Related Links
AJC.com - Study: Many jobless lack insurance
