Consumer-Driven Healthcare: Individual Insurance Market No Haven For Middle Class
An interesting article published in today’s New York Times reveals the perils of the individual insurance market – especially for people with pre-existing conditions. The Times focuses on the plight of the uninsured middle class, including freelancers and independent contractors. According to the article, realtor Vicki Readling:
“[D]oes not receive health benefits from an employer. She tried to buy a policy in the individual insurance market, but — having had cancer — could not obtain coverage, except at a price exceeding $27,000 a year, which was more than she could pay.”
Yes, many uninsured are not poor, unemployed or illegal immigrants. Instead, one-third have incomes of more than $40,000 a year.
For consumer-driven healthcare boosters, this group represents an ideal market, but many high deductible plans are too expensive for them to purchase. Can sites insurance shopping services like the one being planned by Revolution Health help?
Only time will tell.
