The Uninsured and COVID-19: Access to Care in the U.S.

Access to healthcare for those without health insurance has long been a pressing issue in the United States. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought this issue to the forefront, highlighting the disparities faced by those with and without health insurance. This article delves into how uninsured individuals are accessing treatment during and after COVID-19 infection, focusing on the case of long COVID.

Experiences of Uninsured Individuals during COVID-19

Not all experiences with COVID-19 are the same. Some individuals may have mild symptoms that do not require special medical care. For instance, a friend's son had a COVID-19 infection, and he experienced symptoms similar to a common cold. He described a few days of feeling under the weather, but he did not seek any special medical attention.

However, the situation is far more serious for other individuals. The severe reaction to COVID-19 can lead to hospitalization, which is a right granted by law. Even without health insurance, hospitals are required to provide necessary care to stabilize the patient. In such cases, hospitals will later seek reimbursement for the services provided. If the patient cannot afford the costs, the hospital may write off the remaining balance as uncollectable debt, leading to potential bankruptcy for the patient. This process is not overly aggressive because hospitals aim to balance their financial needs with the ethical responsibility to provide care.

Insurance and Financial Strain

Insurance itself can present significant challenges. For example, an ACA bronze plan comes with a $138,000 family deductible, which can be quickly exhausted during a severe reaction to COVID-19. In such cases, the patient may lose their job and struggle to afford basic necessities like food and rent. Consequently, they cannot afford to pay their insurance deductible, placing them in the same position as those who are uninsured.

The situation is dire for those who are uninsured. The financial burden of medical bills can lead to bankruptcy or even suicide. Data from Harvard underscores the human cost of this issue, estimating that 68,000 or more people die annually due to lack of health insurance, and this number is expected to increase due to the pandemic. Mental health concerns, including suicide, are a significant yet unspoken issue.

The Bigger Picture

The current health insurance model in the U.S. prioritizes profits over people, leading to a national and international disgrace. This model leaves millions of Americans in a precarious position, with no clear path to quality healthcare. The issue is complex and multifaceted, rooted in the private health insurance system. The desire to maintain corporate welfare has contributed to the broken status quo.

Many under and uninsured Americans would rather choose to end their lives than subject their families to bankruptcy due to medical bills. The high percentage of suicide-related deaths (66%) is a stark reminder of the broader, systemic issues affecting mental and physical health.

Call to Action

Addressing the issue requires significant changes to the current healthcare system. Bernie Sanders, among others, has proposed solutions that prioritize the well-being of citizens over corporate interests. True healthcare reform would ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical care without the fear of financial ruin.

Conclusion: The uninsured and underinsured face significant challenges during the pandemic and long beyond. We need a systemic change to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.

Keywords: health insurance, long COVID, uninsured patients