The working scared

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

A new survey finds that employed, insured folks, presumably those most likely to be happy with America’s health care delivery system…well, they just aren’t. From Jan. 14 to March 3, more than 26,000 people responded to a health care survey sponsored by the AFL-CIO and its affiliate, Working America. Some 77% of respondents had health insurance, more than half had college degrees and another 29% had some college education. Still, a third reported skipping medical care because of the cost, and 95% said they were worried about being able to afford health insurance in the future. And about half of those surveyed said they stayed in a job they would have preferred to leave because of health insurance. For full survey results, go here. And to read some of the more than 7,000 posted personal stories, go here.

Here’s one story:

“I’m a 64-year-old single grandmother raising my two grandchildren. Now we’re all covered under my employer. When I retire my employee health coverage will end because I will qualify for Medicare, but my grandkids will have no coverage. It appears that I will make just too much money with my pension and social security for them to qualify for (the State Children’s Health Insurance Program), but I don’t know that I can keep my house and buy private insurance for them too. Both kids have disabilities that require daily medication and ongoing therapy. I’m tired—very tired, and I’d love to retire, but I’m too scared. I don’t think we’d make it if I do.”—Patsy, Milwaukee, Wisc.

--Susan Brink