As the 2020 election season heats up, one of the key issues on the minds of voters in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire is healthcare access. With rising costs and a growing number of uninsured individuals, it's a pressing concern that needs to be addressed by candidates vying for local offices.
The Current State of Healthcare Access in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County, located in southern New Hampshire, is home to over 400,000 residents. According to the latest data from the U. S.Census Bureau, approximately 7.5% of the county's population is uninsured. This means that over 30,000 individuals in Hillsborough County do not have access to affordable healthcare. Furthermore, healthcare costs in the county have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2018, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance plans in New Hampshire was $7,000 for single coverage and $20,000 for family coverage. This puts a significant financial burden on individuals and families, especially those with lower incomes. Another issue facing Hillsborough County is the shortage of healthcare providers.
According to a report by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, there are only 1.6 primary care physicians per 1,000 residents in the county. This shortage makes it difficult for individuals to access timely and quality healthcare services.
The Candidates' Plans for Addressing Healthcare Access
With these challenges in mind, candidates running for local offices in Hillsborough County have put forth various proposals to improve healthcare access for residents. Let's take a closer look at some of their plans:Expanding Medicaid Coverage
One of the key issues in the 2020 election campaigns in Hillsborough County is the expansion of Medicaid coverage. Currently, New Hampshire has a Medicaid program that covers low-income adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.However, there are still many individuals who fall through the cracks and do not qualify for this coverage. Some candidates have proposed expanding Medicaid coverage to include all low-income adults, regardless of their income level. This would provide healthcare access to thousands of uninsured individuals in Hillsborough County.
Implementing a Public Option
Another proposal put forth by candidates is the implementation of a public option for healthcare coverage. This would allow individuals to purchase a government-run health insurance plan that would compete with private insurance plans. The goal is to provide more affordable options for individuals and families who are struggling with high healthcare costs. However, some candidates have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the private insurance market and have proposed alternative solutions, such as creating a state-run health insurance exchange.Addressing Healthcare Provider Shortages
In order to improve healthcare access in Hillsborough County, it's crucial to address the shortage of healthcare providers.Some candidates have proposed increasing funding for medical education programs and offering incentives for healthcare professionals to practice in underserved areas. Others have suggested expanding telehealth services, which would allow individuals to access healthcare remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and potentially increasing access to care in rural areas.
The Importance of Addressing Healthcare Access
The issue of healthcare access is not just a local concern; it has far-reaching implications for the overall health and well-being of Hillsborough County residents. Without access to affordable healthcare, individuals are more likely to delay or forgo necessary medical treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs in the long run. Furthermore, addressing healthcare access is crucial for economic growth and stability. When individuals are unable to access healthcare, they may miss work or be less productive due to illness, resulting in lost wages and decreased economic activity.In Conclusion
The 2020 election campaigns in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire are focused on addressing the issue of healthcare access. With rising costs and a growing number of uninsured individuals, it's a pressing concern that needs to be tackled by local leaders.By expanding Medicaid coverage, implementing a public option, and addressing healthcare provider shortages, candidates hope to improve healthcare access for all residents of Hillsborough County.
