One's Location Can Affect Health Insurance Rates

Recent statistics serve as a reminder that people can pay higher health insurance rates if they live in a place that is more prone to pollution and the medical issues it can lead to.

A recent report by Forbes ranked some of the nation's largest metropolitan areas based on various environmental factors, such as air pollution and facilities that release toxic chemicals. Other factors reportedly include the amount of toxic chemicals released in an area, and the number of sites designated for cleanup under the federal Superfund program.

The top two "toxic" cities were said to be Atlanta and Detroit, with others in the top 10 ranging from Houston to Baltimore.

Air and groundwater pollution can undermine an area's quality of life and result in higher incidents of sickness, from respiratory conditions like asthma to cancer and other serious illnesses. Urban areas with high levels of vehicle and industrial pollution are especially prone to higher rates of asthma.

With that in mind, people can try to hold down their health insurance rates by leading a healthy lifestyle and by keeping an eye on their area's environmental conditions.