<prompt> Human: Hey I know everyone might have different takes on this but just wondering if people who were buying from the marketplace or some other type not offered by their employment, will you continue to purchase health insurance? I bought mine from the marketplace this year and got the cheapest plan at 268.55month, and got a letter 2 weeks ago saying the rate is now 308.80 !!! I am getting some tax credit based on the income level, however that is still ridiculous. I got the flu in January and the insurance didnt cover any medication and had to pay other fees at my doctors office because the insurance just didnt cover certain tests. So now after finding out we wont have to pay a fee when we do our taxes for not having it in 2019, Im debating on whether I should still buy it or just take my chances. Obviously the last 3 years Ive had insurance from the marketplace, Ive only had that 1 flu and nothing else. I understand anything can happen at anytime and better safe than sorry, but I paid out of pocket anyways for the flu medication, I figured if it goes up to 308month, thats about 3700 at the end of the year. And if I paid out of pocket anyways for another flu sickness about 200, Id still save 3500. Am I seeing this correctly or is there other pros I am not seeing? Can anyone please chime in or advise their plans for next year? I owe a lot in credit cardloans so I rather reallocate that money to pay those off. And I am late 20s so dont believe anything will come up, however that is why I am wondering what yall think so I can plan appropriately. Thank you Reddit.  <response>: While unlikely in your late 20s, there are a lot of illnesses or injuries you could develop that cost upwards of 50,000 to treat. For many of these, hospitals will refuse treatment if you are uninsured and cant pay in advance hospitals are only required to provide emergency services to stabilize your condition, not necessarily full and complete treatment.I wouldnt take the risk. Get a high-deductible health plan and max out your pretax 401k, Traditional IRA, andor HSA as much as you can to lower your taxable income and increase your health insurance tax credit. You might even get an extra Retirement Savings tax credit if your adjusted gross income is low enough. 