The plight of America’s uninsured is on the agenda of presidential candidates, state governors, healthcare providers, and, of course, the American public. Like all of you, I am concerned about the health of my fellow Americans and the overall impact on our country. In my book, 7 steps to Your Best Possible Healthcare, I provide descriptions and websites for several resources. Using these services may be a life saver. For example, did you know that most state Medicaid programs have special funds to insure certain types of cancer patients, even if they do not meet the economic requirements for Medicaid? This program is referred to as insurance for the medically needy, and, depending on the state covers patients with breast, colon and cervical cancer as well as lymphoma. I have posted a complete list of the 10 resources to tap for the unsinsured along with an explanation and additional links on the 7 Steps website.
Fifteen percent, or roughly 47 million Americans, are uninsured, thus limiting their access to healthcare resources and preventive care. This was recently emphasized again when the results of a study by scientists of the American Cancer Society were brought to light. In the article “Study: Insured Cancer Patients Do Better” by AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe and broadcast on major news networks, the results of the study were presented: uninsured cancer patients are 2 times more likely to die within 5 years as cancer patients with private insurance. According to an AP estimate, the uninsured comprise 4% of U.S. cancer deaths. The results were the same across the races but education could not be accounted for. A glaring reason for the difference may be that the uninsured do not undergo screening tests and, by the time they seek care, the cancer has spread.
Arguments may be made that healthcare is a right versus a privilege but most will agree that the U.S. healthcare system is in need of improvement. The U.S. has some of the world’s finest physicians and the most technological advances available. These are costly and prohibitive if insurance is not available. There are government and community resources available, however, that may provide some relief. Unfortunately, many people, including healthcare providers, are not aware of them. I hope you will take advantage of these resources as well as the other resources available on www.7stepshealth.com and www.ruthannrusso.com so you can get the best possible healthcare.
Fifteen percent, or roughly 47 million Americans, are uninsured, thus limiting their access to healthcare resources and preventive care. This was recently emphasized again when the results of a study by scientists of the American Cancer Society were brought to light. In the article “Study: Insured Cancer Patients Do Better” by AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe and broadcast on major news networks, the results of the study were presented: uninsured cancer patients are 2 times more likely to die within 5 years as cancer patients with private insurance. According to an AP estimate, the uninsured comprise 4% of U.S. cancer deaths. The results were the same across the races but education could not be accounted for. A glaring reason for the difference may be that the uninsured do not undergo screening tests and, by the time they seek care, the cancer has spread.
Arguments may be made that healthcare is a right versus a privilege but most will agree that the U.S. healthcare system is in need of improvement. The U.S. has some of the world’s finest physicians and the most technological advances available. These are costly and prohibitive if insurance is not available. There are government and community resources available, however, that may provide some relief. Unfortunately, many people, including healthcare providers, are not aware of them. I hope you will take advantage of these resources as well as the other resources available on www.7stepshealth.com and www.ruthannrusso.com so you can get the best possible healthcare.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
