Guard Against Health Insurance Scams: Top 5 Essential Tips
TL/DR –
The health insurance industry is rife with exploitation and abuse, prioritizing shareholders over patients and providers. The U.S. health system places the burden of maintaining coverage on individuals, making it difficult for those who are ill or working multiple jobs. A 2022 survey found that 41% of adults have medical or dental debt, with health care affordability predicted to worsen due to labor and supply chain issues, and insurance premiums continually increasing.
Health Insurance Exploitation and How to Protect Yourself
The health insurance industry is notorious for prioritizing shareholders over patients and providers. This article explores potential ways for individuals to guard themselves against exploitative practices.
David Lipschutz, Associate Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, acknowledges the challenge in giving general advice due to the complex nature of the health insurance system.
Tim Faust, author of Health Justice Now: Single Payer And What Comes Next, reinforces this view. He points out that the responsibility for managing health coverage has been unfairly pushed onto individuals. He emphasizes the difficulty of managing one’s own paperwork, especially if you’re sick or working multiple jobs.
The health insurance industry thrives on ambiguity, making it challenging for patients to navigate their policies. They further protect their profits by heavily lobbying against significant reforms. Consequently, insurance executives make vast sums by denying care and transferring major costs to patients, forcing sick individuals into precarious survival scenarios.
A 2022 survey revealed that 41% of adults have medical or dental debt. Predictably, the issue of healthcare affordability is set to worsen further, with insurance premiums continuously rising.
Most people have experienced or know someone who has grappled with claim denials, finding a provider, or surprise bills. This is the unfortunate norm rather than an exception.
However, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of a health insurance disaster. Choosing a good plan over a bad one could potentially save you thousands of dollars, and perhaps even your life.
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