America’s COVID-19 herd immunity goal has not yet been reached, as only 60% of citizens 12 and up have received the vaccination. In states like Missouri, hospitals are overwhelmed by serious outbreaks of the delta variant. Campaigns and incentives urging Americans to get vaccinated haven’t done the trick. Those opposed to the vaccines have their reasons, but how it affects their insurance is out of their hands, or even the hands of their doctors or insurance companies.
"Doctors have to subscribe to and comply with not only regulations established by the government but also the regulations established by insurance companies," Todd Furniss says.
A lack of willingness to act on some fronts also contributes to how much say the government has in this instance of insurance. "Legislators aren't willing to make decisions so they're deferring to the executive branch of government."
"We really ought to be returning to the models where you're paying for your care directly."
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