Why should the young and healthy have health insurance?
The glitches and delays experienced with the October 1 roll-out of the online health care exchanges have left many wondering if young, healthy Americans will give up and simply not enroll in a health insurance plan by January 1, 2014.
However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — aka Obamacare — makes having health insurance mandatory for most Americans beginning on January 1, 2014. There will be a penalty tax assessed on individuals who are not covered by that date.
If avoiding the penalty is not enough to convince you, read on for some common objections to having insurance, and why they don’t hold water:
I never get sick, but if I do, I will just buy insurance at that point.

Even the healthiest of people should have health insurance.
Open Enrollment for buying individual health insurance is only for select periods of time each year. For 2014 plans, since it is the first year under ACA, Open Enrollment is October 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014. However, in subsequent years, Open Enrollment will be October 15 – December 7 of the previous year*. What if you get sick at the “wrong” time and cannot enroll in a plan until the next year’s open enrollment?
*Note: Open Enrollment for 2015 plans will be November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015.
I’m young and healthy, and never go to the doctor.
The need for medical care is often unforeseen! But even the young and healthy can get sick or injured! A car accident, sudden appendicitis, on-the-job injury, or other unexpected medical event can cost thousands — or even tens of thousands — of dollars in medical care. For the uninsured, this can mean financial ruin.
I’m young and healthy, so if I do get sick, chances are I’ll just get better on my own.
Certain medical problems will not get better — and in fact will get worse — without appropriate medical attention. A seemingly minor ache or pain could be a symptom of something more serious. You need to be able to see a doctor if you get sick or hurt!
I can’t afford the monthly premium.
Depending on your income level and number of people in your household, you may be eligible for a subsidy to help with the cost of the monthly premiums.
Need health insurance but not sure where to even begin? Give us a call or send us an email. We can help you find a plan that will meet your needs — and your budget.