Why You Should Always Have Health Insurance

Getting sick or being injured might be the last thing on your mind. So why spend your hard-earned money on something like health insurance?

Without health insurance, you and your family may not get the screenings and preventive health coverage you need. Many chronic conditions don’t have symptoms in the early stages, screening and preventive care can uncover these conditions early so they can be treated more effectively. And health insurance covers 100 percent of the costs of many screenings and preventive health services under the Affordable Care Act.

Health insurance benefits cover more than just the costs of keeping you healthy. It also covers the unexpected—like a sprained ankle or a pesky sore throat that won't go away. To sum it up, a health insurance benefits not only help you avoid health problems, they can even prevent a potentially devastating health and financial issues.

Accidents Do Happen, and Health Care Costs Can Add Up Fast

For instance, here’s what you’d pay for a…

• 1-day hospital stay: $1,910 (doctor charges, drugs and treatment cost not included)
• 5-day hospital stay: $9,550 (doctor charges, drugs and treatment cost not included)
• Broken leg (no surgery): $2,500 or more
• Broken leg (with surgery): $17,000 - $35,000

Here Are 4 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Health Insurance

Here's what to expect from the four plan levels:

1. Cost is always a concern. But choosing a low-cost plan that doesn't fit your needs could cost you more in the end.

2. Whatever you choose, be sure to use doctors in your plan to avoid extra charges.

3. Even if you're in great health, it's a great idea to take advantage of your annual checkups and routine physicals. They're almost always free

4. You may pay less for your plan depending on your income. Be sure to check for financial aid when you sign up.

And don't forget, there may be extra tax charges if you DON'T choose a plan. Your future’s bright—safeguard it. To learn more about an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plan, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ or your state’s Marketplace.