Should I get health care

Hi everyone,

I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate some advice. I currently don’t have health insurance. I used to have insurance through my employer last year, where they paid $200 and I paid the rest. The cheapest plan I had still cost me around $230-$250 per month. Despite having insurance, I ended up paying $80 for each doctor’s visit (primary physician and dermatologist, and eye doctor)

Last year, I paid approximately $230-$250 per month for insurance, which totals around ~$3000 for the year, and still had out-of-pocket expenses for my visits. This year, I’ve been paying out-of-pocket for my visits. I paid $70 each time for a visit to my primary physician and a chiropractor/sports medicine doctor, totaling $140 so far.

Now, my primary physician has recommended that I see a specialist and get an ultrasound. Additionally, I need several lab tests, which will cost around $800 out-of-pocket. With the specialist visits, ultrasound, and lab tests, my total out-of-pocket expenses for this year will probably be around ~2,000(I’m hoping I haven’t called the specialist yet).

I contacted Kaiser Permanente, and the cheapest plan they have that would cover my lab tests and specialist visits costs $329 per month. This would amount to nearly $4000 per year, plus I’d still have to pay $300 for the ultrasound, which is not covered and it also doesn’t cover the chiropractor/ sport medicine visit (I go because I do a lot of training for hiking/ running) I haven’t called any other insurance, if any of you have suggestions please let me know 😭

I’m trying to decide if it makes more sense financially to get insurance or continue paying out-of-pocket. Considering my current and upcoming medical expenses, should I invest in a health insurance plan, or would it be more economical to continue paying out-of-pocket? I am in California LA county if this helps, Female, 25, income pre-tax for last year was 55k I got a raise beginning this year to 65K. I also don’t need dental as I work in a dental office.