Things that need to be considered by young-healthy (uninsured) people

[SoCalDem]

Are you of childbearing age? (for the women)
Are you capable of impregnating a young woman? (for the guys)
Are you sexually active?
Are you saddled with college debts?
Do you text/use your phone in public places/on the streets/in the car?
Do you cross busy streets?
Do you drive?
Do you ski? surf? play basketball/soccer/golf/tennis?
Do you ride bikes? or motorcycles?
Do you occasionally drink alcohol?
Do you mingle in crowds? (parties/concerts/sporting events?
Do you have family members with little kids?

EVERYTHING mentioned CAN have medical consequences, with very little effort on your part.

Just because you are young and healthy (for NOW), does not mean that you are INVINCIBLE or incapable of being injured or catching something from another person (young or old or in-between)

You are probably not likely to need LIFE insurance (unless you have a spouse & kids), BUT it's shameful to NOT have health care insurance , because you WILL need it , even if you think you will never get hurt or sick.

[Ilsa]

1. athletes can usually be found

in emergency departments over the weekend. Injury for athletes is a fact of life. Young athletes need insurance (or we all need single payer) and schools usually require proof of insurance to participate in athletic events.

[SoCalDem]

2. Our jock son was ALWAYS hurt

two ankle surgeries following multiple sprains etc
one knee surgery
a serious brachial plexus injury that left his arm paralyzed for MONTHS, and required a LOT of physical therapy.

he also had concussions bruised ribs, back injuries..

and this was all before he graduated high school

[MisterP]

3. this would be more profitably directed at Liz Fowler...

[mcar]

4. My very healthy, athlete son developed chronic fatigue syndrome

In high school. I won't go into the details. It took 5 years of doctors, tests and turmoil to get it diagnosed.

He's now 26, finished college and doing very well. But he is still plagued by CFS and allergies and can't do near the physical activity he'd like. He's adapted.

But he is not on our insurance anymore. He's got a job and good benefits which he takes full advantage of.

Health insurance is necessary for people of all ages.