It’s a question many people ask, especially those on a tight budget: Do I need health insurance? The answer, especially for those on tighter budgets, is: Yes!
First and foremost, health insurance offers financial protection in case of a catastrophic accident or illness. Consider that the average cost of a hospital stay in 2010 was $9,700, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Even treatment for a minor injury such as a broken bone can cost thousands of dollars.
Second, a health insurance plan enables you to seek preventive care that can help you avoid bigger health expenses down the line. Choosing the right California health insurance plan that provides the level of protection you need is important.
Don’t Risk Medical Bankruptcy—Get Insured
An extended hospital stay after a car accident, for example, could cost significantly more—well into the tens of thousands. Beyond just a minor financial setback, a major accident or illness can lead an individual or family into medical bankruptcy.
Expanded Coverage under the ACA
The good news is that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded health coverage and made it more accessible for consumers in several ways. The ACA bars insurance companies from denying people coverage based on preexisting conditions, and it requires that newer plans offer certain preventive health services at no additional cost to the consumer, as well as 10 essential health benefits.
Don’t risk your health or finances—consult the experts at BenefitPackages to find a plan that works within your budget, either through an individual plan or through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange.