Capitalism holds the keys to vaccination rates

For all it's shortcomings the US capitalist based health insurance system holds the keys to improving Covid-19 vaccination rates. In the US we are a "free" nation. However the right to freedom also bears responsibilities. While I disagree with their decision, I personally respect the right of people not wanting to get vaccinated. If one though chooses not to get vaccinated they should also bear the responsibilities for the causes of their actions. This is where the broken US private health insurance system holds the key to partially solving the pandemic.

I and my spouse are fully vaccinated. Our children, one with asthma, are not as they are under the age of 12. Under normal "free" market economics the private health insurance companies would adjust our premiums to reflect our Covid related risks and the fact that we are vaccinated.

Moving forward, health insurance companies will likely adjust their premiums to reflect these risks. If a company believes that unvaccinated people should get smaller premiums so be it. I believe thought that absent of legislative restrictions, health insurance companies will charge vaccinated and willingly unvaccinated people differently (there should always be room for medical exceptions).

An interesting question will arise if health insurance companies start denying Covid coverage if someone is willingly refusing to be vaccinated. I believe it is a matter of when and not if, but at some point an insurance company will decline to cover hospitalization and long term health costs for people that got ill with Covid and refused the vaccine.

You are free to be vaccinated or not for Covid-19. Your insurance company should also be free to insure you accordingly based on your free decision.

P.S. If you do get sick, I hope that the sickness has no lasting effects, I hope that it passes mildly, and that it does not result in the loss of loved ones as it has for one of my close relatives.