888-765-5400BCBSNC – The Importance of Maintaining Health Coverage
One of the toughest things about health insurance is understanding the importance of continuing coverage during the months, or possibly even years, when it seems like you never really use your policy. Now that monthly premiums are on the rise, you may be asking yourself if health insurance is really worth maintaining. As licensed insurance agents, we often talk with people who obtain health coverage, possibly have a needed surgery or procedure, and then consider cancelling their policy.
Although that may seem like a logical financial decision, it’s important to understand that health insurance is not something you get because you are injured or ill, but rather something you maintain in case you are injured or become ill. Sometimes people ask whether the cost of their insurance will increase the more they use their policy and the answer is no. Insurance premiums are fixed throughout the year and will neither increase nor decrease based on how often you use the policy. This may seem frustrating during periods when you are healthy and have no real health care needs other than preventive services. Keep in mind, however, that the future is unpredictable and it only takes one illness or one injury for your health insurance to become a financial life saver in the midst of crippling medical bills.
Did you know, for example, that simple gall bladder surgery typically costs somewhere between 10 and 20 thousand dollars and the average price of having your appendix removed is upward of 30 thousand! Something as serious as cancer treatment or heart surgery can be financially devastating if you are uninsured. In addition, now that health insurance is regulated by the Affordable Care Act, you can’t simply purchase insurance whenever you want. If you allow your health insurance policy to lapse, there’s a very good chance you will not be able to purchase insurance until the following year. Should you become seriously ill or incur a major injury, you may not be able to wait on the treatment you need, which is why maintaining your health insurance policy is imperative.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the residents of NC and maintaining a health insurance policy is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure not only your physical health, but also your financial well-being! If you have recently obtained health insurance, do what you can to maintain it! Setting your policy up on automatic draft is a great way to make sure you never miss a premium payment and a smart way to keep yourself covered… just in case!
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.