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Remote Area Medical (RAM®) holds clinics across the country, bringing free, quality dental, vision, and medical care to those in need. In 2023, approximately half of our patients had health insurance but sought care from RAM because they were ‘underinsured.’
Underinsured Meaning —
While the meaning of ‘uninsured’ is easily understood, what do we mean when we say that many of RAM’s patients are ‘underinsured?’
“If someone is underinsured, they have health insurance, but it does not meet their healthcare needs, making the costs of care a financial burden,” According to Definitive Healthcare. “. . . The number of people considered to be underinsured has increased with the growth of high-deductible health plans.”
The Cost —
Health insurance can be very costly for many Americans. In 2024 it is estimated that health insurance premiums were $8,951 for single coverage and $25,572 for family coverage. This is up more than 6% from 2023 [Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)]. This does not account for dental and vision insurance, as many require separate insurance.
21% of insured individuals in the U.S. have an annual copayment of $6,001. [KFF] High copayments and deductibles force many people to go without necessary medical, dental, and vision care.
Average copayments for those with health insurance for ______ is ______:
- Primary care is $26
- Specialty care is $44
- Hospital admission is $404
- Emergency room is $217
The costs above do not account for any other costs incurred from the visit. Such as the costs of any necessary prescriptions, transportation to the clinic, time away from work, etc.
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Your gift helps RAM continue providing free care to people in need.
The cost of health insurance is expected to rise in 2025. Access to free healthcare is needed now, more than ever. [U.S. Government Accountability Office]
Employer Insurance Plans —
In the U.S., 60% individuals receive their health insurance through their employer [KFF]. Because the employer chooses the health insurance plan, these individuals do not get to choose their plan, deductibles, and copays, which often leads to underinsurance. Two-thirds of those insured through their employer are considered underinsured. [The Commonwealth Fund]
Medical Debt —
Those who are underinsured and uninsured make up most of the medical debt in the U.S. “Nearly 3 in 10 working-age adults are paying off medical or dental debt; rates are highest among people who are underinsured,” according to The Commonwealth Fund.
Being in medical debt can cause a lot of worry and anxiety, but beyond that it causes people to use some or all their savings, neglect necessities, delay medical care, and more.
How RAM Helps Underinsured Individuals —
Many of RAM’s patients are underinsured, covered by insurance but seeking free healthcare because they cannot afford the copay, prescription, or other cost associated with care. 45.82% of RAM patients in 2023 reported having health insurance but attended the RAM Clinic because they needed access to free dental, vision, and medical services.
The numbers above illustrate why Remote Area Medical exists. And why there is so much need for free, quality healthcare throughout the country.
10% or more of household income is required to cover out-of-pocket expenses related to healthcare. [The Commonwealth Fund] Access to free medical care becomes a necessity for much of the population. This is why RAM served 36,194 patients more than $14.8 million worth of care in 2024.
Underinsured individuals make up nearly half of the individuals RAM serves. RAM aims to bridge the gap in care for all our patients. Like Jeanette, a RAM Patient who has health insurance through her employer, but not dental insurance.
The data in this blog does not represent uninsured individuals, which makes up the other half of RAM’s patients annually. Patients like Tyenisha and returning patient Casey, who also rely on RAM Clinics for their medical care.
To donate to RAM to help us continue serving underinsured and uninsured patients across the country, please click here. Consider becoming a monthly donor with RAM to make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients.
Another way to support RAM includes following us on social media. Or volunteering with us at one of our upcoming clinics, and telling your friends and family about RAM!
Read RAM’s biannual magazine to learn more about what we have been up to this year.
