The current government shutdown in the US is largely due to disagreements over healthcare, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. However, a crucial question arises: does health insurance actually save lives? Research suggests that having health insurance can have a significant impact on health outcomes, including mortality rates.
Studies have shown that uninsured individuals are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including higher mortality rates, compared to those with insurance. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that uninsured adults are more likely to die from treatable conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and infections, due to delayed or foregone medical care.
On the other hand, expansion of health insurance coverage has been linked to improved health outcomes. The ACA, which was enacted in 2010, has led to a significant increase in health insurance coverage, with over 20 million people gaining coverage. Research has shown that Medicaid expansion, a key component of the ACA, has resulted in improved health outcomes, including reduced mortality rates, for low-income individuals.
Moreover, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA saw a 6% reduction in mortality rates among adults aged 20-64, compared to states that did not expand Medicaid. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that health insurance coverage is associated with a 25% reduction in mortality rates among adults with chronic conditions.
While the relationship between health insurance and mortality rates is complex, the evidence suggests that having health insurance can have a significant impact on health outcomes. Insurance provides access to preventative care, early detection, and treatment of medical conditions, which can improve health outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
However, the current government shutdown highlights the ongoing debate over the role of government in healthcare. The Trump administration has taken steps to undermine the ACA, including expanding short-term health plans and association health plans, which do not provide the same level of coverage as ACA-compliant plans. The shutdown also puts at risk funding for key healthcare programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
In conclusion, the research suggests that health insurance can save lives by providing access to necessary medical care and improving health outcomes. The ongoing government shutdown over healthcare highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize access to healthcare and work towards finding solutions that promote health and wellbeing for all Americans.