Tag Archives: health
Healthcare Expenses Increasing Faster than Personal Revenue
According to the Commonwealth Fund, health insurance costs are rising faster than personal income in all 50 states. Deductibles and other out of pocket expenses continue to go up, while incomes are going down. The Commonwealth Fund’s study discovered several reasons for the rise in health care costs over recent years. Among the findings, it was discovered that employers are charging their employees higher costs to participate in health care plans. In addition, deductibles have risen 98 percent since 2003. This means that most people will have to pay for their own healthcare costs out of pocket for a greater length of time before their coverage kicks in. in addition, total premiums that employees pay annually average $3,721.
This news hits close to home for many Americans who are dealing with other economic problems already. With employment rates mostly stagnating, foreclosures going up, student loan debt reaching one trillion dollars, and incomes going down, it’s not getting any easier for most Americans to stay financially solvent in these trying times. For many Americans, the rise in health care costs is beginning to make the very idea of survival economically prohibitive. .
Many Americans, on the other hand, are being forced to discover creative new ways to pay for their health care costs. For example, some individuals whose incomes are preventing them from getting covered may take out short term loans in order to meet rising medical costs. Many short term loans are available, each coming with its distinct set of pros and cons. Payday loans, for instance, are one of the most popular types of short term loan. However, for most Americans they’re not a feasible option for paying medical costs since they are usually only for a small amount and come with a short repayment period. This may influence some to turn instead to collateral loans, which offer a more robust amount in exchange for some piece of the borrower’s property. One type of collateral loan that’s becoming increasingly popular is called a car title loan. Motorists may find these to be a better option than other short term loans since they typically charge lower interest and come with longer repayment periods. Consumers who are interested in more information about car title loans can access sites such as http://tfciloan.com and http://acartitleloan.com
While there may be more than one way to skin the cat of health care costs, one thing is certain. Americans are going to need to take all the financial help they can get as health care costs continue to make themselves out of reach. It’s simply irresponsible to live without health insurance, even if you find that it takes a chunk out of your discretionary income. To pay for ever rising health care costs, Americans will just have to budget more wisely.
Can Medical Bills Cause Bankruptcy?
Most bankruptcies occur for reasons beyond our control. As medical bills continue to soar to extraordinary heights, those who cant afford adequate health insurance have no choice but allocate their savings to vital treatments and procedures. Once these individuals run out of cash, they must resort to bankruptcy. Heres a brief look at the correlation between bankruptcy and medical expenses in the U.S.
Rising Medical Costs
In recent years, medical costs have become more daunting than ever for struggling families and individuals. According to a study by health care consulting firm Milliman Inc., healthcare costs for the average family of four exceed $20,000. Those forced to file for bankruptcy often pay much more than thatespecially considering that an average night in a hospital costs nearly $2,000.
Health-Related Filings
According to the American Journal of Medicine, just over 62% of all bankruptcies in 2007 were filed because of insurmountable medical debtsup from 46% in 2001. After exhausting their savings, many people sell their cars, jewelry, and homes. After months of trying to keep up with medical debts, these individuals have no choice but to resort to bankruptcy.
How Bankruptcy Helps
Bankruptcy is a perfectly legal and honest way to eliminate insurmountable debtsespecially if those debts are of a chiefly medical nature. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can immediately eliminate most debts, including outstanding medical bills, but involves the seizure and sale of personal property. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can also eliminate outstanding debts, but only if the debtor adheres to a three to five-year repayment plan. Before selecting a bankruptcy option, its always a good idea to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
Millions of Americans are just one illness away from financial ruin, despite being in general good health and obtaining the best health insurance possible. In case of medical emergencies, however, the law permits bankruptcy as a strong safety net. If your medical bills are becoming insurmountable, consider bankruptcy as a solution to your financial problems. You can contact Gary Brenner Law Offices for any further questions.