We all know that seeing a health care provider regularly can improve and maintain your health. Reasons for this include things like being able to detect conditions early, getting advice on how to exercise and eat healthily, and getting information on what medications would be best for you. But how much of a difference can regular health care make?

People without health insurance typically can’t afford regular health care and don’t get it unless they absolutely need it. Many people opt out on health insurance because they feel that they don’t and won’t need it. They might be young and healthy and not expecting to need medical attention in the foreseeable future, or maybe they think preventative health care isn’t worth paying for when they can make healthy choices on their own. But there are surprises that any person has a chance of encountering. Cancer or diabetes, for example, can both be genetic, and even someone who lives a healthy lifestyle could develop either or both of these diseases.

A JAMA® study done from 1971 to 1987 found that lacking health insurance has a strong “association with an increased risk of subsequent mortality.” At the end of the follow-up period in 1975, 9.6% of the insured subjects and 18.4% of the uninsured subjects had died. There is a statistically significant differencein mortality rates between the two groups. This means that having health insurance actually makes you more likely to live longer – so it is a worthwhile investment!

As a qualified broker in the insurance industry, Combined Benefits United can help you find affordable health insurance options that fit your income and your life style. Contact us for answers to your questions or for a free consultation.