1 in 10 U.S. Veterans Has No Health Insurance

[xchrom]

http://www.nationofchange.org/one-10-us-veterans-has-no-health-insurance-1338220174



One in 10 veterans under the age of 65 is currently living without health insurance and reports not using Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, according to a new study examining health care access for retired service members.

The report, which also found a high number of veterans’ family members living without insurance, notes such rates are highest in states that have made little progress in implementing provisions of the Affordable Care Act. These states account for 40 percent of uninsured veterans.

Despite having higher rates of health insurance than the general population, “an estimated 1.3 million veterans lack health insurance coverage and do not use VA health care,” noted the study’s co-author, Genevieve Kenney, who points out a majority of uninsured veterans tend to be younger and less well educated.

The study, released Thursday by the non-partisan Urban Institute, comes as the nation awaits a Supreme Court decision on the fate of the ACA. A ruling is expected in June.

[abolugi]

1. I had to push my husband

for YEARS until I finally talked him into taking advantage of his VA benefits. He always had one excuse or another. He is stubborn.
When he did finally go, because he couldn't deny how sick he was anymore, it was almost too late.
He was diagnosed with severe COPD and emphysema. His Dr told him to quit smoking or be dead in a year.
After being a 50 year pack a day habit he quit. We are very pleased with his care. He was very impressed because after each phone call they would end it with " Thank you for serving". Being a Vietnam Vet he was not used to being appreciated by anyone much less his government.
They are not perfect but they saved the love of my life. I will be forever grateful.

[MadHound]

2. As opposed to 1in 6 Americans in general.

Not trying to make light of the situation, but 1 in 10 is a lot better than what the citizenry at large faces. Not to mention the fact that veterans have health care benefits that they can access through the VA if they choose to do so, a safety net that most Americans don't have.