Consider these facts from the report:
More than one in three Hispanics and American Indians - and just under one in five African Americans - are uninsured. In comparison, only about one in eight Whites lacks health insurance.
Four in 10 low-income Americans do not have health insurance, and half of the nearly 46 million uninsured people in the United States are poor. About one-third of the uninsured have a chronic disease, and they are six times less likely to receive care for a health problem than the insured. In contrast, 94% of upper-income Americans have health insurance.
Read the full report here. Statistics on health disparities illustrate very clearly that healthcare in the U.S. is a luxury for a select group of people.
My husband and I were uninsured for three years. Thank God nothing happened to us. We are now insured, but our $2,000 deductible makes a doctors visit impossible. I’ve also been working for over one year to save up enough extra cash to get my wisdom teeth out- all becuase dental insurance is not even an option for us (but, I spent that money in India… oops).
I find it crazy that hubby and I don’t have decent healthcare. We’ve done everything “right”- we’re employed, pay our taxes, we’re educated, pay our bills, etc. But, our system is clear- we just don’t make enough money to access healthcare.
I realize though, how lucky we are. If one of us had a chronic condition we wouldn’t even have a chance at insurance. And, as this report clearly points out, being White instantly gives us a better shot at healthcare. What a joke our system is- it was created by rich, older white men for rich, older white men. It’s time to change.
Visit HealthReform.gov for more information on healthcare reform and opportunities to get involved.
June 10th, 2009 | Category: Physical Wellness | Leave a comment
