The Psychology Of Health Insurance
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The Psychology Of Health Insurance (Or Lack Thereof)

Yeah, that is an actual question and even worse, it is a psychological concept in and of itself. So, safety causes happiness. Well, we already knew that, but one study showed us that though we may have been already aware of this phenomenon, we are just beginning to tap the foundation of how happiness is, in effect, regulated by safety.

 When We Once Felt Safe

 Take this as an example: when the Affordable Health Care Act (AHCA) (outbound) was established, 24 million Americans suddenly gained health plan coverage, more-or-less because they were fined if not paying toward it. The economy began to recover after eight long years of war, and it can almost be insinuated (and many theorists agree) that this entire phenomenon was based on such a simple thing: having health insurance!

So, why begin with such a depressing tale?

Simple: neuroscientific evidence has proven that by simply signing up for a Health Insurance Plan (inbound link here) or a COBRA Insurance Plan (inbound link here), your mood will improve and your stress will disappear, allowing you to successfully navigate your emotions and increase overall productivity and self-value. The collectivist notion of “for the group, not the individual” seems to be growing less and less visible in the eyes of the United States, and we are slowly deteriorating, when you do think about it.

Look, We Are Not Alone

We are facing a pandemic that, once again, tests man against machine. However, since we have established two things already: 1) that if you feel unsafe because of what is going on around you, the last thing you want to worry about is health insurance, and 2) that research shows that having health insurance leads to happiness.

So, what to do?

Right now, and especially during the pandemic, 5.4 million Americans have lost health insurance, and that is why we are writing this blog. It is a reminder of what you should be thankful for, and what you should be doing right now to optimize these horrid times). So, if you want to start, first read our two health plan coverage options: COBRA Insurance and Personal Insurance. Read through it; gather a sense of what it is about. Then, come to us and ask: “How will this actually make me happier?

Do what would alleviate some of the anxiety in the case of an emergency, and reach out to us if you need assistance in picking a plan. We promise we can help. Keep reading, or take a moment to contact us and ask us about what we can do to bring you back to normality, safety, and comfort. Let us embrace happiness together!

Actual Psychological Research Here

Using fMRI scans to measure the brain functions of two groups (one that was insured and the other that was not insured). fMRI scanning allowed researchers to see that the regions of the brain responsible for anger, frustration, and sadness are twice as active as those who are insured. This was tested by injecting them with a radioactive dye that allowed their blood oxygen levels to be measured. It found that the insured individuals had a completely different brain structure and anatomy! The personality tests did not do much justice, either, considering four out of five times the non-insured individuals had a more negative and cynical outlook on the future.

 Yeah, that is a lot to take in, huh?

We also know that a particular brain region called the “amygdala” fosters cortisol production when in times of high stress. This condition is worsening in many, and health problems are going to arrive. We promise, we are not trying to sell you something here. This is a serious discussion about the horrible things we are currently facing, and the simple fact that if you simply had a way of feeling safe (i.e. that in the event of an emergency, you are able to treat it without a huge copay), perhaps you would feel a little better. All we do is try to help, but we in no way condone sporadic marketing.

Let Us End Things Here…

Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs is a psychological theory thought up by A. Maslow, of whom founded the positive psychology movement. He proposed that to reach true bliss, we must satisfy four basic needs: those that are physiological, safety, belonging, and self-esteem-oriented. Once those four needs are met, we can reach the next step, such as from “safety” to “belonging,” and so on until we reach the tippy top, where you are omnipotent in the eyes of freedom. So, where does health insurance fall? “Safety,” which is pretty low on the hierarchy. You still have two more levels to climb! Get out of “Safety” and into “Bliss,” where you can accomplish your most wildest dreams!