Greetings from the Heritage Center. Who helps pay for the health care that the uninsured receive?
Insured families and individuals do, which is one reason their insurance premiums are on the rise.
Families USA contracted with an actuarial consulting firm to find out the exact cost of this "hidden health tax"—the total cost of uncompensated care that is provided to the uninsured and that is spread across the privately covered, non-Medicare/non-Medicaid population.
The 2009 Families USA report found that the uninsured paid for 37 percent of the total cost of care they received out of pocket, third parties (government programs and charities) paid for 26 percent of the uninsured’s care, the remaining 37 percent of care ($42.7 billion) was unpaid, uncompensated care. The cost of this uncompensated care was passed on to businesses and individuals in the form of higher premiums. The result? The "hidden health tax" for family health coverage was $1,017 and $368 for individuals.
A 2005 Families USA report estimated that the cost of uncompensated care on insured families and individuals was $922 and $341, respectively.
The Heritage Center is looking for volunteers.
The center needs help with its Meals on Wheels routes as well as help in the dining room.
If you would like to help within the community and be apart of a rewarding experience, please call the Heritage Center at 701-577-6751.
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