Advocacy groups decry rising costs of health care

Recent reports by several advocacy groups illustrate the trouble many are facing given the current economic climate, combined with continued increases in health care costs.

A Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio study found that Franklin County families making between 200 percent and 300 percent of the federal poverty level (between $42,400 and $63,600 for a family of four) did not have enough money left over after paying basic living expenses to afford health care or insurance costs (Source: “Even middle class strapped by health-care costs, advocacy group says,” Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 14, 2009).

Those without a job are in even more trouble, according to a national study by Families USA that includes Ohio-specific data (Source: “Health costs rising with unemployment,” Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 15, 2008). That study found that COBRA premiums would use up most of an average Ohio unemployment check. The average monthly cost for COBRA in Ohio is $1,030, yet the average monthly unemployment check is $1,327.