Can You Live Without Health Insurance?

Now there’s a risky question, sure to upset some people in the healthcare business. Pharmaceutical companies, clinics and hospitals hate the fact that some people continue to live without health insurance, and probably despise people who encourage this rebellious streak all the more so. After all, nobody should have to pay for health insurance. Just look at other countries in the U.K. or in Canada that provide free healthcare to their citizens. In a perfect world, American healthcare would be absolutely free of charge. Service with a smile, right? Lung surgery should be just as easy as ordering a Big Mac or a pack of cigarettes.

That said, we have to get in touch with the real world. Like it or not, America does not offer free healthcare, and even if they wanted to, it’s virtually impossible in this time of economic crisis. There is the option of low-cost clinics that are mainly non-profit institutions and that charge according to how much income an individual makes. Nevertheless, these clinics do charge for their services, much like all hospitals, clinics and physicians do.

Yes, it is completely legal to live without health insurance. Some might even argue that health insurance is not required, particularly if an individual takes care of himself. However, the difference between having insurance and having no insurance is evident when you are given a $20,000 medical bill! Emergency room hospitals typically charge thousands of dollars for treatment. If you can’t immediately pay the bill then you will be billed the amount and this unpaid debt goes on your credit report.
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