Young people in their twenties and thirties are the most likely group to be without health insurance these days. There is a lot of talk going on in Washington about the need for a national health care plan, but all of the arguments seem to focus on families, children or seniors, leaving out the most underinsured group in the country.
What if we started saying as part of the debate, “Young, working, single adults need to get individual health insurance today.” What would be the reaction? I’m not sure, but I do know that there are millions of people in this category who are new to the work force and are working jobs with less than stellar benefits. For most entry-level positions, individual health insurance is not part of the package. In cases where it is, the coverage may be minimal as a way of keep employer costs down. It’s not uncommon for the kid fresh out of college to take his first job and not have health insurance.
Another reason why many young adults are in this position is the invincible mentality of youth. People in their twenties and thirties are in the prime of their lives. They have never been more healthy, never felt better, and never had such optimism for the future. Young adults have a tendency to live as though they will never get seriously ill, suffer a debilitating injury, or contract a chronic disease. They tend to believe those things are reserved for older folks. When something does go wrong, far too many are not prepared.
The options available to young unmarried adults are simple. First, you can ignore the fact that you don’t have health insurance and hope that nothing goes wrong. If you do get sick, chances are you will be able to ride it out and keep your fingers crossed that you will get better. Second, you may want to pay more attention to your health and take preventative measures that will keep you stronger and healthier. If something should go wrong, then government assistance is usually available.
The final option is clearly the best choice. It requires the young adult to get covered under an individual health insurance plan. The cost up front will likely hurt your pocketbook, but in the long run, it is the safest and wisest bet. It may seem very important to have the latest fashions and electronic gadgets, but without your health, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy them anyway. Do yourself a favor and make yourself number one. Get some health insurance.
What if we started saying as part of the debate, “Young, working, single adults need to get individual health insurance today.” What would be the reaction? I’m not sure, but I do know that there are millions of people in this category who are new to the work force and are working jobs with less than stellar benefits. For most entry-level positions, individual health insurance is not part of the package. In cases where it is, the coverage may be minimal as a way of keep employer costs down. It’s not uncommon for the kid fresh out of college to take his first job and not have health insurance.
Another reason why many young adults are in this position is the invincible mentality of youth. People in their twenties and thirties are in the prime of their lives. They have never been more healthy, never felt better, and never had such optimism for the future. Young adults have a tendency to live as though they will never get seriously ill, suffer a debilitating injury, or contract a chronic disease. They tend to believe those things are reserved for older folks. When something does go wrong, far too many are not prepared.
The options available to young unmarried adults are simple. First, you can ignore the fact that you don’t have health insurance and hope that nothing goes wrong. If you do get sick, chances are you will be able to ride it out and keep your fingers crossed that you will get better. Second, you may want to pay more attention to your health and take preventative measures that will keep you stronger and healthier. If something should go wrong, then government assistance is usually available.
The final option is clearly the best choice. It requires the young adult to get covered under an individual health insurance plan. The cost up front will likely hurt your pocketbook, but in the long run, it is the safest and wisest bet. It may seem very important to have the latest fashions and electronic gadgets, but without your health, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy them anyway. Do yourself a favor and make yourself number one. Get some health insurance.
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