This post is provided by our partner, MetroPlusHealth. Find affordable health plans for New Yorkers of all ages from MetroPlusHealth.

What to do instead of paying for an emergency without insurance

New York is the greatest city in the world, and an inspiring one that’s full of possibilities. Outcomes can always be both positive… or negative. No one can know the future, so even if you are doing fine, you still need health insurance. A bad day in the Big Apple with insurance is always better than a bad day without it.

Why is that? When medical needs are not planned, even the most basic care costs a lot here. And when you don’t have health coverage, those “everyday” events can really add up fast:

– Need to go to the emergency room? One ER visit costs $1,668¹

– Tear your ACL while going for a jog in Central Park? In the U.S., knee surgery runs $13,403.38²

– Fall off a CitiBike and break your wrist? You could pay from $6,577 – $8,181 here in NYC³

Sadly, most New Yorkers are not prepared for the cost of these misfortunes, or others. In both NYC and other places, many people earn at or below the federal poverty level. We don’t think people should lose their savings over a surprise accident or injury. That’s why MetroPlusHealth has many low or no-cost health plans, so everyone can stay covered.

Learn more about our partnership and shop health plans here: https://www.freelancersunion.org/insurance/health/