What are the potential consequences of not having health insurance?

The potential consequences of not having health insurance include significantly higher out-of-pocket medical expenses. When individuals lack health insurance, they are often responsible for the full cost of their medical care. This can lead to substantial financial burdens, especially in the event of a serious illness or injury. Without insurance, even routine medical services can become prohibitively expensive, and many people may avoid seeking necessary care due to these costs. This can result in delayed treatment, worsening health conditions, and ultimately higher expenses if more serious medical issues arise.

In contrast, having health insurance typically allows individuals to share costs with their insurer, which mitigates the financial risks associated with healthcare utilization. Insured individuals generally have access to negotiated rates for services, reducing overall expenditure.

The other options represent beneficial aspects of having health insurance or a general widening of benefits within insured populations rather than the consequences of lacking it. For example, greater access to preventive care and increased employer-sponsored insurance options emerge from the structures that health insurance provides, while lower overall health expenditures would not apply when an individual is uninsured.