Texas has more uninsured people than any other state, whether you count in raw numbers (about 5.4 million) or in the uninsured percentage of the total population (18.4%). If we don't include residents 65 and older (who aren’t eligible for Medicare) the percentage of uninsured in the state swells to 20.8%. That is about 1 in 5 Texans (under 65) that don’t have health insurance. With out health insurance, people are less likely to get the preventative care that they need.
Health insurance provides financial protection in case you have a serious accident or illness. For example, a broken leg can cost up to $7,500. Health coverage can help protect you from high, unexpected costs. Many don't take in the risk of finical risk of not having insurance to help with their medical cost. About 66.5% of bankruptcies among Americans are associated with medical bills. Every year, about 530,000 families in the United States file for bankruptcy as a result of soaring healthcare costs.
The average medical bill for a hospital stay in the US costs $5,220 per day. with the cost for ICU even higher. If you feel that you can't afford health insurance premiums each month, then you differently can not afford the daily cost in a hospital.
The good news is new plans are coming out every year and with no penalty for not having insurance through the ACA, many are choosing plans that are not through the ACA to reduce cost and provide them and their family the coverage they need.
