INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT
HEALTH INSURANCE
Alarmingly, over 45 million Americans do not have medical insurance coverage. There's a larger percentage of uninsured people in Texas than in any other state and the percentage of uninsured children in Texas is nearly twice the national average.
The June 19, 2007 issue of USA Today carried an article on the number of uninsured people in Texas. Physicians quoted in the article said our current level of uninsured populace is unsustainable:
"Texas is the case study for system implosion."
—Guy Clifton, neurosurgeon & founder of the Houston-area group Save Our ERs
Obviously, gaining access to affordable mobility is essential for those who aren't covered by insurance or Medicare.
Insurance companies—being large and influential—negotiate and obtain significant discounts on medical care and equipment. Those who are fortunate enough to afford health insurance can then purchase a new wheelchair at a cost significantly less than retail. In fact, insurance often covers the full price, so it costs them nothing.
Those who cannot afford health insurance have no other alternative than to buy their wheelchair at full retail price.
Uninsured people in Texas have trouble purchasing mobility equipment, because:
- They don't qualify for government assistance programs
- Low income families can't afford to buy expensive policies
- They have a pre-existing condition that makes them ineligible for coverage
The rolls of the uninsured include many people you may not expect:
- The self-employed, such as those working in the arts, small mom-and-pop businesses, and new business start-ups.
- Part-time workers.
- Many of the elderly population, especially those with extensive health issues.
- Many middle-class families are now also being affected because of sky-rocketing insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles..
All these people simply fall through the cracks of our governmental programs and insurance company policies.
How is it possible that a family who could not afford to buy health insurance could now be capable of buying a wheelchair that is priced two or three times higher than the HMO/PPO cost? The majority can't, often leaving disabled people housebound and sometimes confined to their beds.
At Goodwheelchairs.org, we know how frustrating this can be, but we're willing and able to work with you to find affordable mobility options. PLEASE! Give us a call today, so we can get you moving again.
wheelchairsales@goodwheelchairs.org
(512) 420-8005