The Reasons Why Americans Cannot Afford Health Insurance

The economy has an effect on nearly all Americans living in the U.S., whether currently employed or not. If you are not affected by the economy at the moment, chances are you may know someone who has been or is currently undergoing financial stress. Many Americans cannot afford to pay for their own health insurance due to various reasons surrounding employment or lack thereof, making it increasingly difficult to stay healthy and get the regular checkups doctors recommend.

You're Self-Employed

• Although making a living on your own may appeal to you, you must also consider the amount of money you must set aside for state and federal taxes, social security and other taxes. After eliminating expenses, savings and tax savings, you may not be able to afford your health-care premiums, as these rates are higher than the group premiums available with most companies.

You're Unemployed

• In August 2010, the United States had an unemployment rate of 9.6% throughout the nation. With the availablity of jobs fluctuating, it can be hard to maintain a steady income to cover monthly bills, much less afford health care. When not working for a company that offers health benefits, you are subjected to paying full price for your health-care plans, making it increasingly difficult to maintain coverage if you do not have a solid source of income.

Pre-Existing Conditions

• If you are a patient suffering from a disease or other ailment that strikes before you acquire health insurance, you may be subjected to rejection or higher premiums as a result. Health-insurance companies often spike charges for pre-existing medical conditions, as they assume you will need more medical services than those without pre-existing conditions. Some health-insurance companies accept you regardless of whether you have pre-existing conditions, and many companies may not reject you based on your current health particulars. However, if you are unemployed or must pay for your benefits, the premium costs to cover yourself can prove to be too costly to keep up with.