Health Insurance: The Unseen Struggle During COVID-19

In the US, many people are at risk of losing their health insurance, especially those on Medicaid. This issue, known as insurance churn, has been a problem for a while. Even after the Affordable Care Act helped more people get coverage, the risk of losing insurance is still high. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Many people lost their jobs and, with them, their health insurance. This is a big deal because having health insurance is important. It helps people get the medical care they need without going broke. Insurance churn is when people lose and gain insurance repeatedly. This can happen because of changes in jobs, income, or other life events. For those on Medicaid, this is a common problem. They might qualify for Medicaid one month and not the next, depending on their income. This back-and-forth can be stressful and disruptive. It can lead to gaps in coverage, making it harder for people to get the care they need. It can also make it difficult for doctors and hospitals to provide consistent care. The pandemic highlighted this issue. With so many people losing their jobs, the number of uninsured Americans rose. This is a reminder that even with laws like the Affordable Care Act, there are still gaps in the system. It's important to think about how we can make sure everyone has access to health insurance. This is not just about having a card in your wallet. It's about having peace of mind and the ability to take care of your health.