Fatal phrase: I can't afford premiums so I'll go without coverage!

There's one particular phrase I hate to hear and yet get to hear it regularly: "I don't have insurance and I got _______ [injured, sick, emergency]. I need something to cover me now."

Last week I got a call from a woman who said she hasn't had insurance in 20 years because she is self-employed and couldn't afford premiums. I get this, I'm self-employed too and premiums aren't cheap. She continued, "I was hit by a car in July and hit my head. I still have headaches and huge medical bills". Ouch, I thought to myself: this does stink and I'm sorry it happened, but that's why we buy insurance we might not use now in case of such emergencies and accidents.

Then it got interesting, when she said "I need some health insurance to cover those bills."  From three months ago? At this point I was flabbergasted. Do people really think they can just buy insurance when they get sick and it will cover them going backwards? I get this question more than you might think. 

I then get to explain that insurance (other than Medicaid) never gets backdated and we can't just get a plan mid-year unless you've lost other coverage. I can help with a short term plan, but those never go backward and never cover pre-existing conditions. This is why we encourage people to buy full insurance coverage during Open Enrollment (November 1st-December 15th). You can't just pick up insurance mid-year when you need it. You can get a short term plan mid-year, but it won't count as full insurance and won't cover preexisting conditions like an injury or illness. 
​
This is a public service announcement. Please start talking to your friends and family about the need to protect your body, mind, and bank account from the possibility of future illness. You might be healthy now, but what happens when you are injured or get sick? Open Enrollment is November 1st to December 15th and I am booking appointments now. Whether you use my help, someone else's, or do it on your own, be sure to get covered.