The (True) Value of Medical Insurance

Ironic, that this should come out on the day President Obama may (or may not) be negotiating some Social Security and Medicare benefits away as part of a debt reduction deal with the Republicans.  From today's New York Times. The emphasis is mine:

When poor people are given medical insurance, they not only find regular doctors and see doctors more often but they also feel better, are less depressed and are better able to maintain financial stability, according to a new, large-scale study that provides the first rigorously controlled assessment of the impact of Medicaid.

While the findings may seem obvious, health economists and policy makers have long questioned whether it would make any difference to provide health insurance to poor people.

It has become part of the debate on Medicaid, at a time when states are cutting back on this insurance program for the poor. In fact, the only reason the study could be done was that Oregon was running out of money and had to choose some people to get insurance and exclude others, providing groups for comparison.

While I am sure it is possible to quantify health care savings as a result of the preventive care provided by insurance to any group -- the poor included -- why anyone should be surprised by the psychological benefits is beyond me.  The loss of health insurance that often goes along with unemployment is a huge stressor. Financial for those who are forced to pay exorbitant costs out of pocket to continue coverage, and psychic for those who are simply forced to go without insurance. 

Here in California if your child is suddenly without health insurance due to job loss, you have to wait three months to apply for our state-subsidized health insurance.  And that's for families who don't qualify for Medi-Cal.  In other words, the average-Joe.  So, for your first three months of unemployment any savings you might have goes to paying for your kids' medical insurance for three months.  All that, while living on unemployment benefits.  Or simply forgo the cost, and keep your fingers crossed that your child doesn't need to see a doctor.  Either scenario, might lead to depression, no?

Never mind what the overall message to the American public is around all this stuff:  We. Don't. Care. About. You.  Might lead to decreased health and depression, no?