Downturn stress impacting Health

New posting below:

Financial uncertainty is definitely going to impact the health of baby boomers who were sure of retirement at 65 and now see having to continue to work until age 75 due to the current economic downturn.  Yesterday's South Florida Business Journal reports a recent survey conducted by AARP which states one in five adults over the age of 45 is suffering health problems due to financial stress.  The survey also found health problems due to financial stress is having a greater effect on those between the ages of 45 to 64 than on those ages 65 and older.  

Over the last five years, health insurance premiums for families have increased by 65 percent, according to AARP. The average cost of health insurance for an American family now exceeds the yearly income of a minimum wage worker.  

This survey information is no surprise and exactly correlates to participant responses during a community discussion held in Boca Raton last Sunday afternoon.  The outcome of the Boca health reform survey  was delivered to the Obama Transition Policy Team on Health Care Reform.  These non partisan forums were held in similar forums throughout the country, surveying the most relevant issue today which is how to revamp our current health care system.  

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, health insurance premiums have increased 119% from 1999 to 2008, while workers' earnings have risen just 29%.  

Can something actually be done to fix our broken health care system?  If so, how do you recommend it be fixed?  Share your recommendations with us in the comments section below. 

olga@agooddaughter.com