Unmet Health Needs: A Growing Concern

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Category: Health and Lifestyles

Published on Friday, 22 June 2012 12:12

Finding yourself uninsured is a risk for everyone. Many uninsured people in Madison County are currently working full time but their employer can’t afford health insurance benefits. Often times a worker without benefits doesn’t qualify for state programs, but doesn’t have enough money to purchase their own private insurance.  Many of these people have families, and that means their children are uninsured too. Some folks just simply fall through the cracks.

Being uninsured can lead to greater unmet health needs. A recent study by the Urban Institute states that all but one state had significant increases in unmet health needs due to cost over the last ten years, and that uninsured residents were far more likely to have unmet health needs insured residents. In Indiana, uninsured Hoosiers were five times more likely than insured Hoosiers to have a health need untreated due to cost.

When a person has an unmet health need it can impact their lives in other ways. Students might suffer academically because of undiagnosed or untreated learning disabilities; workers with untreated chronic illnesses might take extra sick days and be less productive when they are at work. Residents that suffer from health issues find it hard to get around to shop and be active in their community.

Here at United Way of Madison County, we understand the role health insurance plays in building a vibrant community.  Through our partnership with Covering Kids and Families of Indiana, we sponsor a local coalition of twenty-two partners that promotes enrollment in health insurance plans through marketing and outreach efforts. We also promote the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card for individuals looking for assistance with prescription costs.

Want to help? We’re always looking for new partners and volunteers to spread the word and connect with uninsured residents. Call today us at 765-608-3060 or Email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to learn about all the great things you can do to promote health in your community.

Source:  United Way of Madison County (http://www.unitedwaymadisonco.org)

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