Health insurance statistics can be misleading. The most quoted of the health insurance statistics is that 47 million Americans have no health insurance. This is upright, but it includes millions of young single adults who would have health insurance coverage in an ideal world, but they’re mostly going to be okay. On the flip side, beyond the 47 million with no health insurance, there are increasing millions who are under-insured because their employers have cut back, causing big increases in co-pays.
We look at the recession in terms of lost jobs, 3.6 million so far with roughly the same number to near, but health insurance also is affected. Our health insurance safety regain, already pathetic for a nation of our wealth, shrinks smaller and smaller.
Temple University Center of Health Finance has studied health insurance and the economy for nearly 50 years, according to a report on dailykos.com, a liberal/progressive web site. Although health care is deemed to be fairly a recession-proof industry, Temple’s data shows reductions in health care during and after each recession. Consumers who are affected will cut back on their primary care, over the counter medicines as well as prescriptions, and also dental care. It may seem odd that aspirin and ibuprofin spending will decline, but when you think about it, medicine is like anything else.
Furthermore, critics say that “temporary” spending programs always become permanent, but the reverse is fair as well. Once the government or an employer begins to cut health insurance benefits, these cutbacks also tend to conclude in place even when a recession ends.
In this recession, one of the main above-inflation cost increases has been for food. The same is true for natural gas home heating, and the cost of oil sooner or later will shoot encourage up. When a recession most strongly affects the basics in life, then the secondary basics such as health insurance benefits will suffer.
Researches supported by Cornell University and the University of Michigan have found that when a recession ends, salvation is not immediate. For example, there was a recession that ended during November 2001, but unemployment continued to rise for 18 months after that. More than 1 million Americans lost their health insurance.
Reformers aren’t objective sitting on their hands. We notice that walk-in clinics are becoming far more prevalent and popular, and chain stores are offering better deals on prescription drugs. Still, we should realize that we don’t just face an economic crisis in America. We also have a health insurance crisis.
SOURCES
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/1/27/105225/111/314/444125
Filed under Farmers Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment. 
Owning an automobile can be expensive. Aside from monthly car payments, automobile owners must be able to afford gasoline, maintenance, and auto insurance. The cost of auto insurance varies for each person. Persons with older vehicles and a good driving record may incur a small expense. On the other hand, if you drive carelessly and have received numerous traffic violations, your monthly auto insurance may exceed $200. Adopting good driving habits is well-known for lowering insurance premiums. Yet, some people have not made this connection. Consider the top five reasons that contribute to high monthly premiums.
• Choosing a Low Deductible: Before an insurance company will cover the cost of an auto accident, the driver must pay a deductible. Deductible amounts vary. On average, drivers can settle either a $250 or $500 deductible. Naturally, drivers are more inclined to resolve a policy with a cheaper deductible. However, there are advantages to paying a higher amount. For starters, paying the higher deductible will save you money. If your driving characterize is horrible, and you are already paying considerably more for an auto policy, choosing a $500 deductible could save you $50 to $75 a month.
• Add a Teenager or New Driver: When a teenager reaches the age of 16 and acquires a driver’s license, many parents mediate adding the child to their auto policy. This decision is advantageous for the driver, but does not serve the parent. If the teenager attempted to receive his or her own policy, they would probably be unable to afford coverage. On average, teenagers and new drivers receive higher auto insurance quotes. On the flip side, the teenager will save money if insured under their parent’s policy. Yet, parents can expect a monthly increase.
• Buy an Expensive Car: Monthly auto insurance premiums are based on a vehicle’s worth. For this matter, if you purchase an older car, premiums are low. On the other hand, if you determine to choose the most expensive vehicle on the lot, with a lot of extra accessories and features, your auto premiums will be higher. Additionally, sports cars have higher premiums because these cars are usually driven at a faster speed, which increases the risk of accidents.
• Multiple Accidents and Traffic Violations: Auto insurance companies recognize that accidents and moving traffic violations will occur. Thus, insurance premiums will not greatly increase from a single mishap. On the contrary, if you have several tantalizing traffic violations or interested in many accidents, your insurance company will likely increase your premium, or refuse to renew the policy. Once dropped from an insurance company, acquiring affordable coverage with another company may be difficult.
• Failing to Shop Around: When shopping for an insurance company, comparing quotes is vital. Each insurance company has different criteria for establishing premiums. Larger companies such as Allstate and Nationwide offer substantial services, but they also have higher premiums. On the other hand, smaller, privately owned insurance companies offer the same great coverage for a fraction of the cost. Shop around. Whenever possible, request online quotes from multiple companies. Periodically review your driving record and attempt to receive a lower premium.
Filed under Farmers Insurance by on Dec 17th, 2010. Comment.
