When people pay for insurance — whether it’s on a home, automobile or something as precious as their own health — they rightfully expect a certain amount of help in the event of an emergency. A new car to replace a vehicle totaled in a crash. A new roof to repair the damage from a surprise windstorm. Or financial relief to help cover the cost of a serious medical diagnosis.
What people don’t expect is the very real possibility that they will need to take on new debt just to access the care they’ve already been paying for through their monthly premiums, co-pays and ever-rising deductibles. And yet, this is the reality facing millions of insured, hardworking families across the country. These are the functionally uninsured, and they are the reason HR and benefits executives are so focused on improving employer-sponsored healthcare to make it more affordable and accessible.
