Obesity - Has it Caused You to be Uninsurable?

Posted: Jun 09, 2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 69 | Bookmark and Share

More than half of Americans are either overweight or obese. For many adults and children alike, their waistlines continue to grow while their quality of life and lifespan is declining. Health insurance rates have long been on the upswing and most analysts blame an increased use of medical services for driving up costs. So why are we seeing the doctor so much these days?

The answer could be: obesity.

While society attempts to define the causes of obesity and searches for solutions, look at this truly alarming fact. Childhood obesity has increased tremendously over the past decade.

People who are overweight are at an increased risk for diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. These conditions contribute to greater health care costs. Insurance companies have known that obesity isn't profitable. So they use strict height and weight tables. When an applicant for health insurance falls out of the normal weight standards, even if otherwise healthy, they may be either denied health insurance coverage or their premiums will be raised.

And compounding to this national problem are the over 40 million individuals who are without medical insurance. Sadly, but the people who need the medical coverage the most are the ones least likely to get it. Regular medical checkups are the most effective means of controlling the factors that lead to overweight, such as poor diet and lack of education regarding health choices. But, since individual health insurance is difficult to obtain for those who are classified as "unhealthy" or "uninsurable" due to their overweight and obese condition, these individuals often don't get this needed help.

Even those who have access to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan and can not be declined coverage based on their weight (group insurance is basically guaranteed issue health insurance), the increased cost of insuring them is still there, borne not only by them but also by their coworkers.

Today, it is important for all of us to lead a healthy lifestyle. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight could improve your overall health and save you a significant amount of money on monthly health insurance premiums.

(ArticlesBase SC #443594)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/obesity-has-it-caused-you-to-be-uninsurable-443594.html

    Article Tags:

    Obesity

    ,

    Obese

    ,

    Uninsurable

    ,

    Preexisting Conditions

    ,

    Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance

    ,

    Pre Existing Conditions

    How Obesity Causing Cancer

    Learn how obesity is the second leading cause of cancer, just behind smoking, obesity is a risk factor for colon, kidney, and breast cancers in this medical report. (01:24)

    What Childhood Obesity is

    It's normal for children to gain weight to support growth and development, but too much weight is unhealthy. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects about 15 percent of children. (01:28)

    What Obesity is

    Obesity means having a high amount of extra body fat. Overweight means having extra body weight from either muscle, bone, fat and/or body water. (01:09)

    The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity in The US

    Learn how the epidemic of childhood obesity may have finally hit a plateau. The rates of overweight or obese children have not increased since 1999 in this medical report. (01:40)

    Obese People's Eating Habit

    Learn why some obese people eat more because their bodies are genetically programmed to do so in this medical report. (01:32)

    People with Pre existing conditions are constantly turned down for health insurance coverage. But you don't have to be one of them. A guaranteed issue health insurance plan could be your solution. Read #4 here . . .

    By: Nadine House l Health > Wellness l Feb 22, 2010 l Views: 2
    Alston Ballkcom

    Knowing how your medical insurance deductible works is important if you are going to select the right healthcare policy. You should understand the basic arithmetic that applies to medical insurance deductibles, how copays and coinsurance influence what you have to pay for health treatment and how your deductible affects what you will pay to your health insurance company

    By: Alston Ballkcom l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010
    Yamileth Medina

    Find out about Health Insurance from the perspective of a independent contractor. These tips will guide you as a business and provide helpful information when shopping for a quote.

    By: Yamileth Medina l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010

    Coventry Health Care is one of the nation's largest health care companies. They offer a wide range of fee-based health care products and insurance in all fifty states. In North Carolina, WellPath North Carolina is their subsidiary. However, the health insurance policies offered by WellPath North Carolina are underwritten by Coventry Health Care, so you can know they are reliable and trustworthy.

    By: Sam Dicosta l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010 l Views: 1

    The state of Georgia has one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States. That is a lot of people who are currently without regular full-time salary. This number of people may also no longer get their health insurance Georgia benefits through their place of employment.

    By: Sam Dicosta l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010

    With all of the emphasis on the health care reform, there has also been talk about the Medicare federal program. A lot of people do not understand why they may need Medigap health insurance Georgia policies, if they have Medicare.

    By: Sam Dicosta l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010

    In order to get accurate apartment insurance quotes that you can count on and determine your choices through, you will want to think about exactly the types of coverage that you are after. Focus also on what it would cost you to replace all of your belongings and property.

    By: Ross Quade l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010 l Views: 2

    When searching through apartment insurance companies, there are some things that you can have at the ready in order to make the quote process go much more smoothly and quickly for everybody.

    By: Ross Quade l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010

    There are many great reasons for opting to buy into apartment property insurance, not the least of which should be self protection and preservation of your investments and belongings. You can speak with your landlord regarding the type of policy that they have in place regarding the contents and property within the structures.

    By: Ross Quade l Finance > Insurance l Mar 15, 2010

    More than half of Americans are either overweight or obese. For many adults and children alike, their waistlines continue to grow while their quality of life and lifespan is declining. Health insurance rates have long been on the upswing and most analysts blame an increased use of medical services for driving up costs. So why are we seeing the doctor so much these days? Read on to find more interesting information concerning the obesity problem that is facing Americans today.

    By: Rudy Wilson l Finance > Insurance l Jun 09, 2008 l Views: 69

    Today millions of Americans are unable to afford the rising cost of healthcare. Additionally, millions more cannot qualify for healthcare benefits due to pre existing conditions that make them uninsurable. These issues of affordability and eligibility are major roadblocks facing Americans as they attempt to secure quality healthcare. Read on to see if Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance may be right for you.

    By: Rudy Wilson l Finance > Insurance l Jun 09, 2008 l Views: 66

    Individuals with pre existing conditions have found it almost impossible to find affordable healthcare. This article discusses 6 ways to find the health care coverage you need even if you are uninsurable.

    By: Rudy Wilson l Finance > Insurance l May 07, 2008 l Views: 128

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    0