Skyrocketing health costs need to stop

Secondary insurance shouldn’t be needed to cover costs

File this one under the “ridiculous but true” category: health insurance costs have climbed so high, there is now insurance available to back up your insurance.

That’s right, readers. According to the Associated Press, some businesses are offering employees “supplemental coverage for expenses that crop up when an unexpected illness or injury hits.”

“These additional policies can help make up for lost wages due to disability leave and pay bills that regular health insurance doesn’t cover. They’re often available in the fall open enrollment window that many companies provide for benefit changes,” the AP notes.

On one hand, that’s a terrific idea, because no one wants to get hammered with unexpected medical costs.

But on the other hand, this shouldn’t be necessary. The purpose of health insurance is to provide coverage for medical care, and that should include coverage in the case of major or chronic illness, trauma or extended hospital stays.

However, given the skyrocketing costs of medical care and health insurance, many insurance plans now have high deductibles that must be met before coverage begins. That, in turn, can mean thousands of dollars in bills before coverage begins, the AP reports – hence the need for the supplemental insurance.

It’s ridiculous that one would need secondary insurance at all. Health insurance isn’t cheap as it is, and for many people, premiums have skyrocketed.

At the same time, health care costs are also skyrocketing, from the cost of medical procedures to the cost of medications.

Consumers are caught in the middle, and it just doesn’t make sense.

Whether or not one has insurance, it’s important to shop around before having procedures done. Ask your medical care provider for an estimate, and then call around to other places in Yuma, El Centro, San Diego or Phoenix to see if there are any advantages to a second opinion. Or, check with your insurance –some insurance companies will make those comparisons for you, and help you find the best option.

Something needs to be done about these skyrocketing costs, because people shouldn’t have to consider secondary policies to fill in the gaps. Do your homework, make sure your policy is the best for you, and when you need care, shop around and make sure you have the best possible options. Unsigned editorials represent the viewpoint of this newspaper rather than an individual. Columns and letters to the editor represent the viewpoints of the persons writing them and do not necessarily represent the views of the Yuma Sun.