A recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, NPR, and the Harvard School of Health shows that the average health insurance premium is significantly higher than the uninsured are willing and able to pay. While this is not exactly earth-shattering news, the poll did quantify that uninsured Americans might be willing to pay about $100 a month for health insurance, while the average cost is closer to $400 a month for individuals and $1000 a month for families. This disconnect may make it difficult to make sure all Americans are covered. Some believe that subsidies may be necessary in order to achieve universal coverage.
Poll Shows the Average Health Insurance Premium Out Of Reach For Uninsured
From Kelly Montgomery, About.com GuideApril 24, 2009
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One should be lucky to only pay $400 month for health insurance. If you are going to buy an individual policy, $400 is a steal. Think about $800. Now….that’s more like it. As far as families go, $1,000 month isn’t even close. It could run for a “family”, $2,000 month.
I believe that these figures are intended as averages nationwide. So in some states, they come nowhere near the actual cost, while in other states, they sound high.
I know what you are talking about Kelly hey you should check out Insurance here great directory a good way to contact agents in your local area.
I have a question about my own insurance, if someone could help.
I have an HSA-qualified health insurance policy through my professional association. NOT through my employer. However, my local bank does not offer HSA services, so I have not yet set up an account for that. For the past 4 years I have just been paying my premiums out of pocket. (I know, I know.) Are those payments 100% tax deductible, even though I have not been paying them out of an HSA? My insurance rep says yes, but I’m not so sure.