More Americans have insurance now
A recent article from NPR’s All Things Considered reports that the number of Americans with health insurance went up this year. According to a recent Census Bureau study, in 2006, 47 million didn’t have insurance; only 45.7 million didn’t have coverage in 2007. The 1.3 million who now have coverage are mostly children under Medicaid and SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) plans.
That’s great news, isn’t it? Sort of.
The bad news is employer-based coverage is still declining. Small businesses especially just can’t keep up with the ever-increasing costs. Premiums have increased for employers and employees alike. While the premiums and co-pays have increased, the benefits have decreased. The Commonwealth Fund reports that despite an increase in median income, still working adults are losing their medical coverage.
It’s not the poorest individuals who are suffering the most anymore. Working-class and middle-class Americans don’t qualify for government or charity programs. But many of them can’t afford insurance either.
The increase in Medicaid recipients is a step in the right direction, but it’s still the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a gun-shot wound.
Tags: Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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