In our last post we discussed the financial risks of not having health insurance, the importance of preventive care, and the reality that uninsured people often have poorer health outcomes. Following are some additional reasons having health insurance is so important.
- Not having insurance can have far-reaching impacts –– While it may seem that not having health insurance impacts a person at the individual level only, this is really not the case. Uninsured people often wait until a condition is severe to see a doctor, resulting in more emergency room visits and larger doctor bills. A person who is hospitalized for a catastrophic illness or injury simply may not be able to pay. To recoup lost funds, hospitals and doctors often pass those losses on to consumers by charging more for services.
- You’re worth it –– Why insure your car, home and other personal belongings, but not your health? Even a relatively minor incident such as a broken arm or leg can set an uninsured person back a considerable amount of money, potentially causing a cascade of financial consequences. Sacrificing your health (or your financial security) simply isn’t worth it.
The March 31 deadline to enroll in Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, has passed; however, some people are eligible for special enrollment. Call Benefit Packages to find out whether you qualify for the special enrollment period and for expert information about all your options for coverage.