Which of the following could lead to higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs?

Being uninsured is associated with higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs because individuals without health insurance have to pay for all their medical expenses directly. This includes costs for doctor's visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, and any other healthcare services without the benefit of insurance coverage to mitigate those expenses. When people are uninsured, they are often reluctant to seek care due to cost concerns, which can lead to untreated conditions that eventually require more expensive interventions.

In contrast, having robust health insurance coverage tends to lower out-of-pocket expenses because the insurance plan covers a significant portion of medical costs after deductibles are met. Regular health check-ups and participation in wellness programs are typically encouraged by insurance plans and can lead to preventive care, ultimately reducing the risk of more costly health issues later on. Therefore, being uninsured stands out as the factor most likely to lead to significantly higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs.