The Virginian-Pilot
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Each week, more than 10 Virginians between the ages of 25 and 64 die because they don't have health insurance, according to a report released Wednesday by Families USA, a health care consumer advocacy group.
Studies have found that people without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of diseases such as cancer, when their chances of survival are significantly decreased. They're also less likely to get prevent ive care and more likely to for go treatment altogether because of cost.
Families USA estimated that between 2000 and 2006, more than 3,200 working-age Virginians died because of a lack of health insurance. In 2006, the group said about 15 percent of the state's residents between the ages of 25 and 64 were uninsured - or about 640,650 people.
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health insurance
Okay, you printed the negative, now tell the rest of the story.
How many people die each week that DO have health insurance?
How many of those who died without insurance would have died anyway? Insurance or not!
My gracious, I would love to help the world of all it's woes but that will never happen. Impossible. But, I will bet that some of those who died, "without insurance" failed themselves by not getting help from numerous charities, free clinics and other government organizations that are readily available. How many of those who died have been surviving on some one elses dime? How many have been on the "dole" their entire life and expect or demand that some one else takes care of them, FOR FREE. I know I'm fortunate but I have worked every day for 40 years to keep the health insurance that I now need.
Some are diagnosed early on
My mom was diagnosed with hepatitis C, which she contracted during a surgery to remove cancer of the uterus but couldn't prove it, several years ago. These days she can't work anymore and she can't qualify for medical help. She can't even afford the tests to see how far along the disease is and when she'll die. It's not just a matter of catching it too late, it's a matter of too little help available for working people. My dad makes barely enough to keep a roof over their heads but he would have to quit his job for her to get health care. A social services employee once suggested she divorce my dad to qualify for help... This is a sick system.
Shame
This is a shame, I think even 1 death for having lack of health insurance is too many. It would be interesting to see how many of these people actually had access to health insurance but did not choose to purchase it and "rolled the dice". Your and your family's health is something not to take lightly and should be the number 1 priority. Some people choose not to purchase health insurance and instead will purchase a new car, a bigger house, or that new plasma TV. It is ashame some people do not have life insurance but I bet if you did a little digging at least 50% choose not to have any.