ART 3170 Civic Engagement: Social Issues "Action" Project: Access to Health Care Gina B

FUNDAMENTAL PURPOSE OF HEALTH CARE:

“The fundamental purpose of health care is to enhance quality of life by enhancing health (Berry, 2018).” Many people lack the ability to receive the medical attention that they desperately need, or they recieve overly expensive bills once they are discharged from the hospital. On top of suffering from health problems, upon receiving medical care, people will owe thousands of dollars from just one trip to the emergency room.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:

Considering the health crisis that we are currently living through, this subject seems especially significant. Growing up I was very fortunate to always have health care. I never had to worry about what would happen if I had to visit a hospital for any reason, and I will never take that for granted. Up until the point where I entered College, I was unaware that people who did not have some sort of medical insurance had to pay thousands of dollars for doctors appointments, medications, therapy etc. These are basic human necessities, and it seems very unfortunate that oftentimes people will put aside visiting a doctor because they simply cannot afford it. In November of 2018, my boyfriend tore 3 tendons on his right hand. At the time he did not have any sort of medical insurance so he paid a total of $3217 out of pocket for just one emergency room visit. The doctor assessed his hand, he got x-rays done, and went home with stitches for $3217. At that ER he was told he would need surgery or he would lose complete function of his right hand very quickly. The next doctor's appointment we went to was with an orthopedic surgeon where he was told his surgery would cost a total of $15,500. This was a complete shock to us, how does one come up with that money in a few days without going into debt for years? He was very fortunate enough to be able to apply for medical insurance through this work after this accident. They paid 90% of his surgery and he had to pay the remaining balance before his appointment. Thankfully, with the help of physical therapy, he has now recovered (which he also had to pay out of pocket because apparently this is not something that his insurance would cover). It was at this point that the issue with healthcare really struck home with me, he was fortunate enough to have a huge help from his insurance, but what about for those that do not? If someone needs a life saving surgery, and they do not have health insurance or money to cover the cost what happens to them?

Health Care Debate:

In 2018, 8.5 percent of people, or 27.5 million, did not have health insurance at any point during the year. The uninsured rate and number of uninsured increased from 2017 (US CENSUS)
The percentage of uninsured children under the age of 19 increased by 0.6 percentage points between 2017 and 2018, to 5.5 percent. (US CENSUS)
Results of not having health insurance: 1. People are more likely to have underlying health conditions. 2. More likely to die prematurely. 3. Late diagnosis of treatable diseases. 4. Less likely to receive appropriate/needed medical care. (HealthyPeople.gov)
Results of having health insurance: 1. Lower mortality people. 2. Illness prevention in the early stages. 3. Less possibility for diseases to spread when they are caught early. 4. Promotes healthier behavior in individuals (Healthypeople.gov)

It is quite sad that thousands of people across the country have to make the decision between having to be in debt and going to the doctor, or simply hoping for the best and waiting for whatever they have to pass them by. With the COVID-19 situation, those who can not pay to have a test done if they do not have insurance could potentially be walking around contaminating people as they go.

What You Can Do:

The most important thing anyone can do is stay informed and VOTE. With the primaries going on, it is crucial that everyone reads about the candidates, and if you are in the position to vote, do so when the time comes.