Why skipping care is costing you more: affordable options you didn't know existed

Why skipping care is costing you more: affordable options you didn’t know existed

Many Americans today are struggling to afford basic medical care. High insurance premiums, limited coverage, and surprise out-of-pocket costs are causing more people to skip doctor visits. However, putting off care often leads to more significant health problems and higher costs later on.

If you’re looking for healthcare without insurance, affordable urgent care, or a simple primary care plan, there’s a better option than expensive ER visits or walk-in clinics.

The long-term risks of skipping routine care : Ignoring symptoms or postponing regular checkups doesn’t make health problems go away; it allows them to grow. Common conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory infections, can develop quietly. Without early intervention, they often escalate into serious, costly emergencies.

Skipping care can result in:

Worsening chronic conditions due to lack of monitoring or medication
Emergency room visits for preventable issues
Higher treatment costs when intervention is delayed
Lost income from missed work due to unmanaged health

A single ER visit today can exceed $2,000, excluding lab fees, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments. These costs are particularly challenging for individuals without insurance or those with high-deductible plans.

ER wait times are growing, and so are insurance gaps

Emergency rooms across the country are experiencing longer wait times, often 6 to 8 hours for non-critical visits. That’s a long delay for something as simple as a refill, sore throat, or routine lab request.

Meanwhile, 2025 health insurance plan reviews show that:

Monthly premiums for individual plans often exceed $400
Deductibles can reach $3,000 to $6,500, delaying coverage until those thresholds are met
Many networks limit your provider options, creating more barriers

This leaves middle-income families, gig workers, and small business employees, especially those at companies with fewer than 50 employees, navigating a healthcare system that is both complex and costly.

ClearCare: A Smarter, More Predictable Healthcare Model

The ClearCare model, offered through ClearMedica Medical Centers, provides a clear, affordable path forward. It’s a type of direct care plan where patients pay a set monthly or yearly fee for unlimited primary care —no surprise bills or insurance hassles.

Key benefits of ClearCare include:

Fixed-cost pricing with no hidden fees
Unlimited access to wellness, preventive, and chronic disease management
Routine labs, exams, and administrative services included
No delays, copays.

What Real Savings Look Like: A Walkthrough

Let’s walk through a common healthcare scenario:

A working adult with no insurance experiences persistent migraines. They visit a retail clinic twice a month, with each visit costing around $175, plus $85 for lab tests and $50 or more for follow-up medication, totaling over $485 for one month of basic care.

With ClearCare:

All doctor visits are covered under the monthly fee
Labs and medication support are included
There’s direct access to a provider without the need for a waiting room
Follow-ups don’t cost extra, and there are no extra surprises
Over time, this approach not only improves health outcomes but also results in hundreds of dollars saved each month.

Back-to-School Care —Without the Seasonal Stress

During the back-to-school season, many parents face pressure to get their children’s physicals and vaccinations done quickly. Traditional urgent care clinics may charge over $100 per child, particularly for those without insurance.

ClearCare simplifies the process. Physicals, immunizations, and health screenings are all included for members, eliminating extra costs and last-minute scrambling.

ClearCare vs. Emergency Rooms: Efficiency Matters

Unlike emergency rooms, where non-urgent patients can wait for hours —ClearCare members get:

Appointments within the same week
Longer, more thorough visits
Care from a provider who knows them
No waiting rooms or delays

It’s not just convenient; it’s a game changer for families who need reliable, affordable care.

Skipping care might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to higher costs, poorer health, and increased stress. ClearCare makes it easier with transparent pricing and complete care. Need care without insurance, a simple primary care plan, or affordable urgent care that works with your schedule? ClearCare is made for you.

Take charge of your health with ClearCare, an easier, smarter way to get the care you need.

Our service areas include Brandon, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.