Wise Health Care Consumer Month is a month-long observation in February. The aim is to educate the public about the ways and means of becoming wiser about our health care spending. Americans ace the game in consumerism and purchasing freedom in almost every sphere, but not when it comes to health care. Health care, a necessity, is unaffordable to millions of Americans. With rising costs and increasingly complex health care plans, the system needs an intervention. Wise Health Care Consumer Month takes a small step in this direction.
History of Wise Health Care Consumer Month
The U.S. health care system remains a challenging aspect of our lives. The for-profit medication and the influence of big pharma can cause irreversible wreckage in the lives of middle and lower-middle-class citizens. Wise Health Care Consumer Month nails the issue at hand by empowering the public with information and tools to counter the system.
The ‘American Journal of Preventive Medicine’ (A.J.P.M.) is an online publication, issuing articles in the field of medical practice, preventative care, and the prevention of chronic diseases. It also addresses the steeping irregularities of the American healthcare system and aims to educate the public about the science of preventative care. Established in 1985, this monthly peer-reviewed paper publishes original commentary and researched conclusions on many public health issues such as nutrition, obesity, women’s health, and infectious disease.
As per the A.P.M.J., Americans dedicate more time and attention towards the purchase of new appliances than they do to their health care plans. Glaring ignorance and excused excesses have resulted in a giant rift between the health care industry and its customers. The abundance of confusion, coupled with unfathomable health care costs has ensued a hesitancy that leads to many avoidable deaths.
On the many crises surrounding the health care industry, the A.P.M.J. designated February as Wise Health Care Consumer Month. The A.P.M.J. illustrates the many ways in which we can become wiser consumers and make the best of our available options. From taking our time to properly compare the plans to be a better patient by honestly addressing all our issues, there’s a lot that we, as the general public, can do to bring down the costs of our health care.
Wise Health Care Consumer Month timeline
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act and enacts the Medicaid, Medicare, and unemployment insurance policies in the U.S.
The American Medical Association approves Blue Shield, the first private insurance, to be used in hospitals across the nation.
Employers began offering health insurance with salaries, and the employer-based insurance takes a flight in the U.S.
The bi-monthly peer-reviewed medical journal on preventative research is started, which later designates February as Wise Health Care Consumer Month.
Wise Health Care Consumer Month FAQs
What is the difference between a co-pay and a deductible?
A co-pay or co-payment is a fixed amount of money that a policyholder pays each time they receive a health care service. A deductible is an amount the policyholder pays before their health insurance kicks in.
Can you sue your health insurance provider?
Yes! In instances of violations and failure to address claims, you can file a complaint against your health care provider.
What is the most important thing to remember while choosing health insurance?
There’s no one size that fits all. However, monthly premiums, provider’s network, and out-of-pocket costs are all determiners of a great health care plan.
How to Observe Wise Health Care Consumer Month
Educate yourself
Escape the trenches of predatory insurance scams and unfair billings by arming yourself with the knowledge of how the system works. The education you collect can help you make informed decisions about your health care.
Bend the curve
If you are an employer/insurer who is responsible for the insurance of people, you are in the position to institute change at a larger scale by bending the curve. Educate your employees about the health care plans at their disposal and help them make better choices.
Spread the word
Five out of 10 Americans believe that bringing their health care costs down is simply not possible. It is a sad diagnosis of a country where big pharma calls the legislative shots. This February, urge your friends and family to learn about preventive health care and become wise health care consumers.
5 Insane Statistics That Paint The Grim Reality Of America’s Health Care System
It’s a dance of death
The U.S. has the highest count for avoidable deaths amongst 11 developed countries.
Doctor’s away, don’t blame the apples
Americans visit physicians fewer times than their international peers, capping at four per capita visits in a year.
Hate the doctor; love the hospital
The U.S. accounts for the highest rates of emergency room admissions and hospitalizations from preventable causes such as hypertension and diabetes.
They don’t wanna live forever
Americans have the worst life expectancy as compared to other developed nations, averaging 78.6 years.
It’s a long-term pain
Despite leading in preventative care, adults in the U.S. have the highest burden of chronic diseases.
Why Wise Health Care Consumer Month is Important
It educates about preventative care
Wise Health Care Consumer Month teaches us to take better care of ourselves. It’s not just about health care, the month of February is also the time to set some healthy habits for yourself and pursue preventative care.
It promotes regular screenings
Regular screenings, self-examinations, and adopting a fit lifestyle are equally important. The U.S. leads the count for the most preventable deaths in all of the developed countries. This February, take steps that can save your life.
It pushes us to get a better bang for our buck
When it comes to health care costs, Americans display great despondency. This is neither aspirational nor sustainable. Wise Health Care Consumer Month is here to make you smarter consumers. The better you get at understanding the system, the more you can help in reforming it.
Wise Health Care Consumer Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
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