Why We all Need Health Insurance
Health insurance often separates many families from living happy, healthy lives. Premiums keep rising. Co-payments do the same. The cost of having health insurance is a burden for many families. It's a burden many families choose to ignore by not paying health insurance.
The first question a person should ask themselves about healthcare for their family should not be can we afford it, but how can we pay for it. Simply put, going without health insurance puts your family against too big of a risk.
A must have, even for the have-nots
Health insurance premiums are higher than ever, but that's because so are medical costs. Everything from prescription drugs to x-rays to heart surgeries has risen in cost. Care is better than ever as a result, but healthcare isn't' affordable for all. Still healthcare is more expensive if you go without. Find a way to afford it, if at all possible. Even if you must cut your budget, make it happen. High premiums hurt less than no coverage.
It's insurance for a reason. Good health insurance is there when you need it, even if you least expect it. If not, you run the risk of having your financial future ruined if you, your kid or your spouse get sick.
Don't kid around
Doctor visits for your three-year-old easily costs hundreds of dollars. Throw in immunizations and prescriptions and several thousands of dollars disappears during the course of a year.
Covering the same child will cost several thousand dollars in premiums, but at least you have peace of mind that if the worst happens.
Nobody's invincible
Money doesn't grow on trees. There's also no magic potion for health. However, many young married couples assume youth is that potion. Many married couples in their 20s have one partner working full-time with benefits and the other working part-time, but lacking health insurance. Rather than pay spousal premiums, they assume the part-time worker is healthy so why pay upwards of $200 per month out-of-pocket to cover them. That partner may be in perfect health now, but the bad health bug doesn't discriminate. At some point, they'll get sick, need a doctor's visit or an x-ray for a broken bone. Then high out-of-pocket expenses will add insult to injury.
Let your work benefits work for you. If it can add you peace of mind without breaking the bank, put your spouse on the plan.
Private, not painful
A private plan will hurt you in the wallet. But be realistic. Look at private plans for your family, see if they will offer group discounts. Some companies offer reduced rates to insure multiple family members. Others offer decreased premiums for children and teenagers.
Have it your way
Look at premiums, co-pays and deductibles. See what you can afford and realistically what you might need. Remember it's better to pay for more than you need than be caught off-guard. On the other end, if a super plan breaks your bank, go for a smaller plan, but expect to pay higher deductibles and co-payments when the situation arises. Insurance may feel like a luxury, but it's also a necessity. Some coverage is better than none.
