Safety net insurance is meant for those who have no insurance, or who are severely underinsured. It provides a way for them to receive emergency care regardless of their ability, or inability to pay. The safety net is threatened, however, by budget cuts, and state and federal funding cuts. The provisions in the Safety Net Insurance Plan help save lives, and there is an effort being made to ensure that coverage is available and continues for those who cannot afford health care, or insurance.
What exactly is Safety Net Insurance?
The Safety Net Care program is a system of providers, hospitals and Health Centers which provide health care to those in need who are unable to pay. This is done by Federal mandate. With this program, people who cannot afford insurance or health care can still get the help they need. Right now, the Safety Net is in place, and because of it, people are obtaining health care they otherwise would have neglected.
Who Benefits from the Safety Net Program?
Medicaid roles are currently at about 57 million in the United States. There are people who do not qualify for Medicaid, but are still not able to afford insurance or medical care. These are the forgotten people in society. As a result of their financial circumstances, many of these people neglect their health because they cannot afford treatment. They also make fewer doctor appointments, even for chronic conditions. The Safety Net Program is the only way that many of these people can and do get help.
What is holding it Back?
Even when funding is available, most of it goes toward recruitment finding doctors and providers willing to work in the system. Funding is low, however, due to government cuts, which often result programs such as this being affected. Even the Medicaid system received a budget cut, which caused workers to lose jobs, resulting in more people who are uninsured and needing this program and others like it. There are, however, doctors and providers who, out of sheer goodness, agree to participate in the Safety Net.
The Number of Uninsured and Underinsured
Currently, there are approximately 47 million uninsured. That does not even count the underinsured. That number is expected to rise dramatically. As the government limits availability and eligibility for insurance, more people have a need for medical care. All of this is occurring at a time when they also will shortly require that all Americans have insurance. Basically, they are saying “You must have insurance, or face legal action”; at the same time saying “We will not allow you to have this insurance”.
The Safety Net Care Program for uninsured Americans is a lifesaver for many people. Like everything else, it is threatened, but there are those fighting the good fight to keep it going. Public awareness is important not only so more people can get help, but so more people can rally behind the cause. There is a growing need in this country for healthcare for those who cannot afford it, and do not qualify for Medicaid, which is also endangered.
