While you hope not to need it, health care insurance is an expense you can’t afford to live without. It’s impossible to predict when an emergency will require an expensive hospital stay or doctor visit, but with the right health care coverage, you can rest easy.

Here are three reasons to invest in reliable health care insurance:

• Protection From Unexpected High Medical Costs: A sudden illness or injury is the kind of expense no one can budget for. From minor accidents to traumatic events, medical bills are always expensive. Even small fees can add up quickly, and many people without insurance find themselves buried in debt.
• Free Preventative Care: Most health insurance plans automatically cover several preventative treatments. According to U.S. News, the law requires insurers to cover services like annual mammograms, vaccinations, colonoscopies, and certain cancer screenings without a copay. The goal is to help you stay healthy and catch potential illnesses before they develop into serious problems.
• Follow-Up Care: When you go to the emergency room with a broken leg or an open wound, the hospital is likely to treat you regardless of whether or not you have insurance. But when you need follow-up care, like rehab or physical therapy, leniency isn’t commonplace. Many clinics require health insurance or a large sum of money.
• No Penalties: If you choose to not have health coverage, you’re required to pay a penalty—the individual shared responsibility payment. Heathcare.gov lists the fee as being “2.5% of your household income or $695 per adult—whichever is higher.” When you consider this penalty along with your medical bills, signing up for health care insurance is likely the least expensive option.

Chewelah Associated Physicians is a valued part of the Chewelah, WA, community. Their physicians are invested in the well-being of your entire family. Don’t let a technicality like not having the right insurance hinder your quality of life. Call them at (509) 935-8711 to schedule an appointment, and leave a review on their Yelp page.