Health Insurance Resources Manual

Health insurance is one of society s most pressing issues. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that does not have health insurance for everyone. The uninsured as well as those with inadequate health insurance coverage are increasing at alarming rates; over 43 million Americans now lack health insurance coverage, and millions more have inadequate health insurance to meet all of their health care needs, particularly those with chronic disabilities. This resource guide was developed to assist people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, as well as health care professionals, understand the health care system and maximize their rights and entitlements within that system. Health Insurance Resources: Options for People with a Chronic Disease or Disability contains information about a wide variety of options that will be of assistance to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have questions about insurance and don t know where to begin. The first section presents an overview of health insurance plans, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal legislation that impacts health insurance coverage.
The second section includes directories and resources to assist in researching health insurance options.