US Veterans Are Lacking Health Insurance?

This question is posed rhetorically and with surprise. A recent study has shown that veterans have becomes the victims of the United States’ broken healthcare system. The Americans that many believe are deserving of the utmost respect have succumbed to the same healthcare problems currently faced by nearly 50 million Americans. That these men and women have risked their lives for the wealthiest nation on earth and are still finding themselves in such a predicament, should be considered a travesty. It only goes to illustrate that action must be taken on the part of members of the U.S. government to fix a healthcare industry that is spiraling out of control. Action must be taken soon. Vets, particularly those of recent wars, are generally in dire need of health insurance because they face mental and health issues that most Americans cannot fathom. This is particularly troubling considering the spike in suicide rates for veterans.

What Does the Study Say?

Nearly two million U.S. veterans currently lack health insurance. The number of uninsured veterans has risen more than 290,000 between the years 2000 and 2004. With the number of uninsured Americans steadily rising, this number is expected to grow unless serious policy changes are implemented quickly. Additionally, this lack of insurance extends to the family members of veterans. More than 3.8 million household family members of U.S. veterans are also without health insurance. These are almost always spouses and children. More than a quarter of veterans who responded to this survey said that they cannot receive medical care because it is too expensive. However, nearly two-thirds of the uninsured veterans are employed. Many people mistakenly believe that all veterans can receive care at VA facilities across the country. Unfortunately this is not the case. There are strict income thresholds for veterans based on the number of dependents one has. A veteran is generally not eligible to receive services at the VA if they make much more than 28,000 dollars a year. It goes up a little based on the number of dependents but the income level still seems decidedly low given the rapid rise in healthcare costs.

What is the Solution?

As the figures suggest, this is a problem that has its roots in the larger healthcare crisis facing the United States. While there may not be a quick fix available to reform the larger U.S. healthcare system, there may be a rapid solution for veterans. The VA’s policies on income thresholds and veterans appear to be outdated. A swift review of these policies to raise the income thresholds seems to be in order. Unfortunately, this process is complicated by problems the VA has faced regarding the care it does provide to veterans. Most Americans would agree that these former soldiers who have put their lives in harm’s way for the good of the country deserve adequate healthcare. While there is an obvious need for policy shifts to provide healthcare to veterans and the larger populace, there may be other options for veterans and citizens without health insurance. While no person should have to go without insurance, it is particularly troubling to find that these people are veterans. If you are a veteran or an average citizen without health insurance please research all your options. You may be able to afford basic or full coverage if you look hard enough.

Additional Resources

• Almost 2 Million U.S. Vets Lack Health Insurance