Why Reform Matters If Your Insurance Is Fine
A guide to the upcoming health reform debate.
June 24, 2009— -- As the health care reform debate goes on, a number of new questions and jargon are arising. ABC News answers some of your most pressing questions about health care reform.
The average family of four with health insurance had medical costs of $16,771 in 2009, according to the Milliman Medical Index, a report produced by the Milliman consulting firm.
While 59 percent of that tab is picked up by the employer, that left $4,004 in premiums and $2,820 in out-of-pocket costs that comes out of a family's budget.
The authors of the MMI note that this is the third straight year that employees' out-of-pocket costs have increased in percent by double digits. Since the index began in 2005, the total health costs of an average family of four have increased by more than $1,000 per year, each year.
Additionally, a cause of concern for many is the fact that 46 million Americans do not have health insurance.
Some critics have noted that the number of uninsured may be misleading. Keith Hennessey, who served as a senior White House economic adviser to President George W. Bush, broke down the number of uninsured Americans.
Hennessey noted that many counted among the 46 million could get insurance through available government programs, while others would likely not be considered worthy of taxpayer support and may simply choose not to get health insurance.
It should also be noted that many who report bankruptcy from medical conditions had health insurance when they were first diagnosed.
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