INSURANCE • Read Time: 4 min
The Cost of Medical Care
When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow. Just a quick look at the current prices for medical procedures can be sobering.
How much does a CT scan cost? Between $300-$6,750, depending on where it is performed. Need a stent in your heart? The cost of that delicate procedure can cost between $11,000-$41,000. How about a knee replacement? The total cost adds up to an average of $37,300.1,2,3
Are these the only costs associated with a hospital or outpatient visit? Not quite. Think of the cost of the room, the medications, the anesthesia. Fortunately, many Americans have health coverage, so they only have to pay a fraction of the expenses linked to these and other procedures. Those without health coverage may find themselves in financial pain.
These days, you may take a big financial risk if you go without health insurance. Just one accident, one surprise trip to the hospital, and you may be left with a debt rivaling an auto loan.
If you need to pay for your own health coverage, the cost may be well worth it. Imagining that you can go without it for the next five or ten years may not be realistic, even if you are a millennial, or a member of Generation Z just leaving college. You might have a five-figure debt already; could you handle another one, perhaps with little or no warning?
Just how much does it cost to self-insure? Well, here is one estimate. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a hypothetical 40-year-old non-smoker making $30,000 per year is projected to pay an average of $452 per month for a benchmark health insurance plan for 2021. That works out to $5,424 for a year. The KFF reports, though, that the monthly cost could fall to as little as $149 with the help of a premium subsidy via federal or state government. This year, the mean monthly cost of a Silver plan after a premium subsidy is $195.4
Here is another projection. Looking at the 38 states in which residents buy coverage through Healthcare.gov, Investopedia calculates the average monthly cost of a benchmark plan at $413 for a hypothetical healthy 27-year-old, a price which could be lowered with subsidies applied.5
You can choose to put off paying a few thousand dollars a year for health insurance, but in doing so, you are also choosing to assume a great financial risk. A major medical procedure can cost as much as a new car, or a college education.
Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only. It's not a replacement for real-life advice so make sure to consult your financial or healthcare professional before modifying your insurance strategy.
If you are uninsured, take some time to look at your choices with someone who knows the insurance market. Do it today, as you never know what tomorrow could bring.
1. NewChoiceHealth.com, April 5, 2021
2. CostHelper.com, April 5, 2021
3. HealthGrades.com, September 9, 2020
4. HealthMarkets.com, April 5, 2021
5. Investopedia, March 13, 2021
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information.The information in the material in not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professional for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
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