Health Insurance Decline Affects Children in Akron

According to a recent study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, there are over 4 million children uninsured in America. 

The number of children in Ohio without health insurance has dramatically increased within the last two years. 

With news of Ohio being the third highest in the nation when it comes to States with the most amount of uninsured children, Governor Mike DeWine announced his plans for the future.

DeWine said in a statement that he will be working with Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran to see what steps they can take to deal with making the process of re-enrollment easier for families.

A common reason as to why many people don’t have insurance is due to the re-enrollment process that is involved with it.

Whether it be because someone didn’t receive the paperwork, or if they didn’t understand it, applicants only have 60 days to renew or else they will have to file a new application.

With the application paperwork already complicated, the department is hopeful to work on making it easier.

In the mean time, Barbie Cassen, the morning shift nurse at Summa Health Fairlawn Urgent Care said she sees the effects of being uninsured first hand locally in Akron, Ohio. 

“Majority of the patients we see are families with young children and almost half of them do not have insurance,” said Cassen.

Without insurance coverage, families with ill children still have to pay for services and medicine if they need it, with their own money. 

“The most we can do is offer affordable medical care and if the patients do need medicine but need to save the extra dime, generic brands are a good way to go about that,” said Cassen.

As for Sharon Patterson, the patient front desk clerk at the Urgent Care facility, she said the biggest problem amongst her patients is that many are unsure of what their options are when it comes to medical care without insurance.

“I’ve had multiple families come in with sick babies unsure on what to do because their baby is uninsured and hasn’t been to the doctor in months,” said Patterson. “If these babies don’t come in sooner they’re more likely to suffer longer,” said Patterson.

Young children are most susceptible to getting sick without receiving proper immunizations and going to their recommended checkups. 

“If these babies don’t come in sooner they’re more likely to suffer longer,” said Patterson.

Sharon Patterson, front desk clerk

Children are recommended to have at least 15 checkups before the age of 2 to ensure proper development.

“Brain development is prominent and fast at the ages of the children we’re seeing going off uninsured,” said Patterson. “Not properly going over and analyzing the babies development can be crucial to their health later on.”

According to a study conducted by the John Hopkins School of Public Health, a visit to the ER can cost up to $150-$3,000 depending on the uninsured patients injuries or illness. 

“I always recommend coming to an urgent care facility rather than your typical Emergency Room when it comes to common sickness if you don’t already have a family doctor ,” said Patterson. 

With the number of uninsured children in Ohio quickly increasing, it is critical for families without insurance to stay informed on what their options are.

“We offer brochures and pamphlets about different providers our patients can get in contact with to see if they can get enrolled in a private insurance plan,” said Patterson.

As the number of children without insurance increases, Governor DeWine works to find a plan to resolve the issue.

Locally, Summa Health Urgent Care in Akron, Ohio will continue to help those who are uninsured that come to them for medical assistance for them and their children.