If you are one of the uninsured or underinsured, perhaps an easy initial answer came to mind when reading that question. Say it’s “get physical therapy for the shoulder that’s been bothering you since lifting a too-heavy box while moving this summer.” 

Take a few more minutes, and you might be surprised by the lengthy list you could create:

• A visit to the dermatologist to see about that new mole on your shoulder. 
• A mammogram because you know breast cancer runs in your family. 
• A checkup to ask why the chronic pain in your leg keeps you from sleeping.

While all of these issues are certainly worthy of a doctor’s appointment, a lack of affordable and reliable health coverage means many health concerns and questions often get swept under the rug. 

The Importance of Health Coverage is Easy to Underestimate.

Without coverage, people tend to put off physical examinations, preventive care, and diagnostic tests, because the up-front costs seem substantial. However, in the long run, this deferral causes an increased risk of disease progression and an eventual trip to an emergency room, which often ends up costing more. 

Even with some coverage plans, out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or referrals can multiply. It’s understandable why people only seek out care when it’s urgent, but this creates a vicious cycle: When a problem does reach the point of needing emergency care, it’s often more painful, traumatic and risky, and any time off work is usually last-minute and unplanned.

People with reliable affordable coverage are more likely and able to take their health seriously before it becomes a significant concern. 

Preventive care includes screenings, colonoscopies, blood work, wellness checks, physical therapy, managing chronic issues, and more. General health upkeep can be better planned and budgeted for when your health coverage makes it possible. 

Why is Preventive Care Better?

The benefits of proactive health care include:

• Avoiding problems before they start through vaccinations, awareness, and counseling on healthy habits and management
• Screening and early detection of cancers and progressive diseases such as muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s 
• Developing a rapport and establishing a medical history record with a primary doctor
• Keeping ERs available for injuries and accidents (not using them as primary care providers, for which they’re inefficient and expensive). In the past year, we have witnessed the importance of allowing ERs to function for their original purpose, as hospitals with resources stretched thin have tried to minimize contact and exposure while treating people during a pandemic. 

Make preventive care a routine part of your life by choosing a health coverage option that helps your employees to support their health with an affordable and reliable plan. Visit www.healthchoiceofmichigan.com to discover affordable health coverage for your small business in Wayne or Oakland County.