I had no health insurance for a period of five months. This was due to nonpayment following the new year and me forgetting to reapply. I didn’t see this as a big issue, as it was pushed aside in the back of my head. It became an issue until I realized this is also was the time where I needed it the most.

With the frequent therapy appointments, doctor visits, and prescription of medicine for my mental illness, health insurance would be beneficial in helping me pay the costs.

My two medicines to refill alone would be almost $200 by self-pay. As a college student, I don’t have $200 to spend every time I need to refill my meds. I began to feel a financial burden over my health burden. If I needed this medicine urgently but didn’t have the financial means, I would be stuck.

Now thankfully I'll be okay, as I am back on insurance. But for many people in the United States, that is not always the case.

To first understand the importance of health insurance, we must understand the importance of health care.

1. All health insurance plans coincide with the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare which it’s the main goal is to make healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone on any economic or social level.
2. Most Americans obtain health insurance through their government, with Medicare or Medicaid or through their employer or union.
3. Health insurance covers essential health benefits such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, wellness services, birth control, and dental coverage.
4. Health insurance helps you from paying high medical costs, gives you free preventive care, and provides a peace of mind of not paying the tax fee or if you didn’t have insurance.
5. Services of different health insurance plans may vary state by state.

According to the CDC, there are 28.2 million people in the United States uninsured, and 12.4% of that are young adults. This high percentage can be due to many factors, one being the limbo of being under your parent’s coverage and then having to find your own that fits you accordingly. The problem with the transition from childhood to adult healthcare is that there isn’t a sense of urgency. Students need to understand the transition of providers and their importance. People go to college or move out and forget to do their daily doctors or dental checkups. It may be hard to find an adult care provider or only go when there is the emergency. But preventive healthcare is an essential part of avoiding and managing chronic diseases that can arise later in life.

Your health is essential in being able to navigate through life with a balanced well-being. Health is an investment, that you would be secure in getting the necessary care you need without the overwhelming fear of expenses of hospital visits, surgeries, and serious measures. Take the time to research the different plans to find one that fits you. Understand the importance of your well-being and what you can do to maintain that.

Here are some sites that can help you stay in that direction:

https://www.healthcare.gov/

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/health-insurance.htm

https://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/health-insurance-guide/college-students/

https://www.hhs.gov/