As a mother of two young daughters, I often find myself pondering their future. While I have the usual worries that come with parenting, a new concern has surfaced lately: Will they be able to handle the burden of healthcare costs as they grow older?
Both of my girls are set to enter adulthood with pre-existing health conditions. My older daughter has a kidney issue that currently doesn’t require ongoing treatment, while my younger daughter has a range of historical diagnoses stemming from a congenital heart defect. Thankfully, both are healthy and vibrant now, experiencing only typical childhood ailments like colds and menstrual cramps. However, their past medical conditions place them in a precarious situation known as the “invisible risk pool.”
A recent report from the Center for American Progress reveals that the American Health Care Act, which was recently passed by House Republicans, allows insurers to charge more for individuals with pre-existing conditions, even though they cannot deny them coverage. The report suggests that people with even mild health issues may face premiums that are thousands of dollars higher than standard rates. I can’t help but envision my daughters—intelligent, creative, and kind-hearted—having to drastically change their life plans just to afford health insurance, potentially extending their journey to homeownership and starting families.
I fear that new healthcare regulations might permit insurers to refuse coverage for anything related to their pre-existing conditions. For my older daughter, that could mean no coverage for anything affecting her kidneys. Meanwhile, my younger daughter could find herself facing restrictions on coverage for her cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems. In my most anxious moments, I picture them in doctors’ offices, with my older daughter being informed that a routine pregnancy test won’t be covered, and my younger daughter weighing the cost of an out-of-pocket chest x-ray for pneumonia.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published a report outlining “hierarchical condition categories” that indicate high-risk conditions for insurers. This bureaucratic jargon translates to higher costs for those with certain health issues, meaning individuals like my daughters could see their insurance premiums soar if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed. While my older daughter’s kidney condition isn’t on the exhaustive list, I found codes for my younger daughter that could dictate her financial future: HHS_HCC247 and HHS_HCC138.
My concerns are not without basis. A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2001, prior to the ACA, examined how accessible individual health insurance was for individuals with less-than-perfect health. The study found that out of 420 applications for coverage made by hypothetical consumers, only 10% received unconditional offers. Rejections were common, and many who were accepted faced restrictions or surcharges.
If we revert to such a system, coupled with the elimination of penalties for employers who opt out of providing insurance, we could see a mass migration to the open market for health insurance. This could render employer-sponsored insurance a relic of the past, leaving families vulnerable.
Among my many fears regarding the potential repeal of the ACA, my greatest concern is that my daughters may feel compelled to leave the country in search of a system with socialized medicine. This thought is both disheartening and rational. Who would want to live in a nation where birth defects—conditions that can often be managed or resolved—dictate one’s financial prospects? As I observe the current state of healthcare in our country, it becomes clear that the impending repeal may fail to attract the young, socially conscious individuals who will soon recognize its shortcomings.
I worry not just for my daughters but for all of us.
For more insights on this topic, check out our post on privacy policies and procedures, which can provide valuable information regarding healthcare and personal data.
Summary
As a mother of two daughters with pre-existing conditions, I am deeply concerned about their future ability to afford health insurance. Recent legislative changes threaten to increase costs for individuals like them, potentially impacting their life choices and financial stability. Historical data shows that people with medical conditions often face higher premiums and limited coverage options. These fears lead me to consider whether my daughters might need to seek healthcare in a different country altogether.