Your Epic Fail Could Cost You $18K Without Health Insurance. Get Covered.

We’ve all done it … tried to dunk a basketball to show off to our friends, gotten overconfident and taken the double black diamond instead of our usual blue, or jogged over some black ice because we were running late.

Whether we were trying to show off or simply unaware of our surroundings, we’ve all likely experienced an absent-minded #FAIL. And too many of us choose not to get health insurance for the very same reason.

But the scary truth is, you could get hurt. And if you don’t have health insurance, getting hurt could cost you everything.

An Unintentional Fail Can Put You in the Red
Without health insurance, a small misstep could take a big bite out of your annual income. Here are a few estimates of costs an individual without insurance might pay for treatment of injuries caused by simply being clumsy*:

•    Drop a box on your foot and break your toes: $18,000 without insurance.
•    Slice your hand cooking and get an infection: $12,300 without insurance.
•    Walk into a sliding glass door and break your nose: $4,000 without insurance.

An Epic Fail Can Leave You with Nothing in the Bank
Yes, we all know that you will for sure land that [insert way-too-advanced-for-you athletic move here]. But what if you don’t? Your fail could epically drain your savings account. Here are a few estimates of costs an individual without insurance might pay for treatment of injuries caused by overconfidence*:

•    “Bet I can ride this half pipe…” Dislocate your shoulder: $11,500 without insurance.
•    “Maybe I can dunk this basketball…” Broken leg: $15,200 without insurance.
•    Try cow tipping a bull, end up with broken ribs and a collapsed lung: $10,000 without insurance.

Not Sweating the Small Stuff Can Quickly Add Up
While investing in an adult-sized roll of bubble wrap might keep you from injuring yourself (we don’t recommend this), even the healthiest person can’t avoid getting sick. Although many people can make it through this year’s common cold without a visit to the doctor, many illnesses require medical attention. Here are a few estimates of costs an individual without insurance might pay for treatment of illnesses*:

•    An asthma attack and visit to the ER: $4,000 without insurance.
•    A kidney infection and five-day hospitalization: $8,200 without insurance.
•    A heart attack and five-day hospitalization: $10,500 without insurance.

Get Covered, Colorado!
The simple truth: The costs of being uninsured are too high. One accidental misstep, ill-advised stunt or circumstance that’s out of your control can send your healthcare costs spiraling and launch you into serious debt.

The good news is that recent changes in healthcare have made getting health coverage more affordable. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 29, you may also be eligible to purchase a Colorado Young Adult, or CYA, plan available on Connect for Health Colorado. These CYA plans, also known as catastrophic plans, are designed for young people who are in good health. Because they’re intended to protect you from high cost medical emergencies, they cost you less in monthly premiums.

You may also qualify for help paying for your insurance, which may help you significantly lower costs. Find out if you qualify.

Learn more about new health insurance options at COHealthOP.org and follow the Get Covered, Colorado! campaign with #GetCoveredCO. Don’t forget: to be covered by January 1, you need to sign up for health insurance by December 23.
 
*Source: Healthcarebluebook.com