Bipolar disorder

Maybe you're just a little too heavy for your height.

If any of those statements describe you and you need health insurance - forget it.

Insurance underwriters will spot your disease-ridden background faster than you can say pre-existing condition.

"It can be a real nightmare for people," said Tom Russell, health insurance broker.

"It's a minefield out there.

A lot of what's sold today is plain junk." Nearly 42 million or about 17 percent of Americans are uninsured, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and Arizona's record is worse than the national average.

Twenty-one percent of Arizonans live without health coverage.

Only three other states in the nation - Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico - have a higher uninsured population.

Most people - about 63 percent of those covered - receive medical insurance through their employer.

Large companies can tap into group policies, which spread the risk through a greater number of people.

This lowers the out-of-pocket costs for their employees.

But small-business owners, like Payson resident Mark Green, face high premiums and few choices.

"For the number of employees I have, (health insurance) is cost prohibitive," Green said.

From 2001 to 2004, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, workers receiving health coverage fell 4 percent - five million fewer jobs offer health benefits today than did in 2001.

Though Green does provide insurance, it cuts into the bottom line - for his business...

Read more...