subject: Healthcare For Children: An Imperative Need [print this page] In 2008, a survey showed that nearly 9 million children in the United States were living without any health insurance coverage. What many people don't understand is that health insurance coverage is an important commodity in the care and physical well-being of a child.
Generally, parental health insurance plans provide coverage for their children when they are listed as dependents. This has been put in jeopardy since the start of the recent economic and financial crisis where the number of unemployed and uninsured has sky-rocketed. While health insurance for children might seem like an unnecessary expense, it should actually be prioritized because it covers the child from sudden illnesses and accidents and aids in their overall development and growth.
The importance of providing coverage for children cannot be overstated. On the average, an insured child will receive more care from a trained medical professional on a yearly basis than an uninsured child will. When a child is uninsured, the parents are much more hesitant to provide with the care they need. Even slight ailments can turn into major problems if not dealt with professionally in a reasonable amount of time.
Lack of insurance coverage is just one of many factors contributing to the deterioration of the youth's health in recent years. Children are developing unhealthy habits at a younger age, such as binge eating which later leads to obesity and possibly diabetes, which exposes them to even greater risks. Technology, which has rapidly developed in the last few years, has not helped the youth stay fit, which is why a safety net such as coverage in a health insurance plan is of the utmost importance.
Another important thing to remember though, is that health insurance is not just for emergency medical attention, it also provides access to regular healthcare to maintain overall good health in order to detect and prevent possible complications which could lead to greater expenses. It can also provide treatment for any acute or chronic illnesses that affect the child. Moreover, the significant difference of children with adults is that they are more prone to complications from common ailments, escalating beyond control when they are not treated properly. With access to health insurance, proper health and nutrition can be maintained.
Never forget that it is your responsibility as the adult to provide for the needs of your children as they are dependent on you for everything, including healthcare. They do not have the proper information or judgment to discern what proper action to take, so your role is to guide and nurture them.
There are many plans that are offered which are specifically tailored to fit the needs of the youth, so it is a good practice to go shop around; especially if they are not covered in your plan or if you do not have one at all. Do not begin looking for assistance when there is an emergency, take the initiative and prepare while it is early so that any pain or discomfort your child may encounter is minimized. Be sure to explore various plans offered by different companies and compare the benefits they offer. By providing alternate means of care for your child, you minimize the risk of any unforeseen incidents which may harm your child.
