Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was introduced in 2013, health insurance has been on the minds of American adults more than ever. Health insurance was difficult to understand before the implementation of the ACA, and since then, it seems to have become more confusing. Nearly everyone, seemingly, has an opinion on health insurance, resulting in a lot of myths being passed around. Because false information can be dangerous, potentially keeping people from getting the care they need, we at Insurance Center Associates decided to debunk three common health insurance myths below; with more information in your arsenal, you can make safe, informed decisions about health care for you and your family.

Myth #1: Health Insurance Only Covers Hospitalization

This first myth is one that a shocking 52% of Americans believe, as discovered by a survey of 1,005 people, carried out by ICICI Lombard! In reality, 9 out of 22 non-life insurers offer OPD (Outpatient Department) benefits, including specialist consultation, dental treatment, vaccinations, alternative medicine, vision treatment, preventative services, and more. In many cases, having health insurance will do much more than cover you in the event of hospitalization; your insurance provider will often help pay for other medical treatments that will keep you out of the hospital altogether.

Myth #2: I Can’t Afford Health Insurance

It is true that healthcare costs are rising; however, that doesn’t make myth number two accurate. One of the many benefits arising from the implementation of the ACA is the fact that over 90% of those who purchased health insurance plans in 2015 received federal subsidies that offset the costs. If affordability is a concern for you, you can try the Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator today to see if you are eligible for a health insurance subsidy.

Myth #3: Only the Primary Earner in the Family Needs Health Insurance

While not as widely believed as myth number one, 26% of respondents to the survey discussed in myth number one believed that only the primary earner of the family needs to be insured. This myth is similar to the one regarding life insurance: that only the provider of the family should have it. While it is recommended that both parents have life insurance, when it comes to health insurance, it is in fact more beneficial to a family for all of its members to be covered. Two out of three claims are not for the primary earner in the family, but for dependents, meaning that you can save a lot of money by insuring everyone in your family--spouse, children, parents, etc.

Health insurance may seem unnecessary to some, and has proven to be confusing to nearly all. However, it is important to be able to differentiate between myth and reality, especially when it comes to health insurance plans that can potentially save your life. Remember, even when the majority of people believe something (like myth number one), it is important to do your own research and learn for yourself whether that belief is fact or fiction.