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Cost of Doing Nothing Outweighs Cost of Health Reform
By: State: Nevada | Source: AARP.org
Everyone Being Squeezed by Increasing Costs
As wages tighten and unemployment rises, soaring medical costs are squeezing individuals, families, businesses, and the nation as a whole. One in two Americans say someone in their family skipped pills, postponed or cut back on needed medical care due to the cost. Increasing medical expenses can often lead to filing for bankruptcy. According to the National Small Business Association, in 2008 just 38% of small businesses offered their employees health insurance last year compared to 61% in 1993. And, government spending on health programs is rising so rapidly that it jeopardizes other priorities.
Health care costs are currently rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation, as they have for the last three years. But, according to Families U.S.A., health insurance costs rose over 73 percent from 2000 to 2006.
Learn More About the Cost of Doing Nothing
Learn More about the Proposed Options
Don’t be taken in by misleading information about health care reform. While the costs associated with reforming our health care system are high, the cost of doing nothing could be devastating to our economy and our future. Want to learn more? Sign up as an AARP e-activist to get the latest news on federal and state legislation relating to health care reform and other key issues of interest to older adults.
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