Many people mistakenly think they can't afford to pay for health insurance to maintain their health. Most of the time, that's simply not true. There are affordable health insurance plans available to almost everyone; you just need to know how to find them.

Why Insurance Matters

To help you understand your need for health insurance, consider these facts from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Statistics show that the uninsured:

• Are sicker and die earlier than those with health insurance
   
• Often delay or forego needed medical care, increasing the chance of death, physical disability and chronic illness
   
• Encounter more costly medical care than the insured
   
• Often go without screenings and preventive care
   
• Are often subject to avoidable hospital stays
   
• Are less likely to have a usual source of care outside the emergency room