Health Insurance Is Not Health Care

Abstract

Thanks to theAffordableCareAct (ACA), low-incomeAmericans (thoseearning less than 139%of the federal poverty level) living in 25 states and theDistrict of Columbia gained eligibility to Medicaid on January 1, 2014.1 The Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2022 there will be 12 mill ion new enrollees into Medicaid.2 Although this is anunprecedented leap forward in providing low-income Americans with health insurance, it is important to remember thathealth insurance isnothealthcare. Health insurance is a financialmechanismforpaying forhealth care. It is not the care itself, or even a guarantee of care.