How Has Public Program Cutbacks Contribute To The Lack Of Health Insurance?
As the unemployment rate goes up, there is somewhat of a domino effect. Jobs are scarcer and those that are available are cutting costs by getting rid of benefits, including health insurance. When this happens, people are often forced to turn to public programs. However, with less taxes, cutbacks are necessary, and lapses in coverage results.
Where the Funding Comes From
No public program operates without funding. It has to come from somewhere. Most public programs receive funding from various taxes, including income tax. When people aren’t making income, they aren’t paying taxes. For the first time in their lives, many workers are falling below the poverty line and not paying taxes. Businesses are also losing money and are a huge source of tax funding. This is really affecting public programs. The need is greater, yet there is less to go around.
Focusing on Health Care
There is currently a huge focus on health care, the costs involved and the problems that need to be fixed. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a clear compromise coming to the forefront. Some people are advocating a completely public option, but that needs funding, which the government is sorely lacking. Others support a completely hands off approach. Unfortunately, a good portion of citizens count of the safety net that public programs provide. By removing that safety net, resources will become even more stretched, resulting in people who need care falling through the cracks. Optimists maintain that there is a way to compromise and find the best solution. It will likely be somewhere between the extremes.
The fact is that the answers aren’t always easy. The economy is hurting and everyone is feeling it. Public programs are having to cut budgets just to stay alive. People are also making big changes in their lifestyles. This has made health insurance harder to get and harder to maintain. Hopefully, things will soon start looking up and better compromises will come to light.
Related posts:
- What Is Public Health Insurance?
- How Health Insurance Costs Effect Employees?
- What Kind Of Health Insurance Can You Get When Cobra Runs Out?
- How Many Health Insurance Companies Nationwide?
- Getting Health Insurance For A Child Who Has Pre-Existing Conditions?
Tags: health insurance, healthcare insurance, lack of health insurance, medical insurance