Health care in America has been something of a hot topic in recent years. While many Americans now have health insurance, there are still 12.9% completely uninsured. In addition, two out of five Americans have employer-based health insurance coverage. Many just starting out with insurance may not understand why health insurance is necessary. Sometimes the health insurance market can seem hectic and expensive. But here are just a few reasons why you need insurance!
Penalties
If something does happen to you and you receive care without insurance, you may be hit with penalties. Personal liability is taken very seriously, and you could be stuck footing the bill. The price of these penalties is scheduled to go even higher in the next few years. Another this to note here is if you get into an accident or you’re diagnosed with a disease, you may be faced with staggering medical bills without coverage.
Preventative, Primary, Follow Up
All of those types of care are necessary to stay healthy, but without insurance, you don’t have access. Any time you need any sort of testing, you would have to pay out of pocket. You would also have trouble gaining access to services to help heal broken bones, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.
You May Be Forced to Wait
Some people have this idea that if you’re hurt, you can take out your phone at the hospital and sign up for health insurance right then and there. The reality, though, is that the market is only available during certain times of year, and surrounding certain life-altering events (like a birthday). Don’t wait to sign up!
It can be difficult to keep up with insurance types — you need life insurance, car insurance, renters insurance, etc. But health care in most if not all cases trumps all. Make sure you are prepared!
