Help for Persons With No Health Insurance

Health insurance is not always an option, especially if you are unemployed, have a low income or are self-employed. As of February 2011, the U.S. federal government does not require any individual to have health insurance. State and local regulations vary, but in general, uninsured persons have several options. Determining the best course of action for you and your family is a personal decision, so do your best to understand your needs and the terms of any proposed health care.

Walk-In Clinics

• If you require medical care for occasional injuries and illnesses, but do not have conditions that require ongoing care, walk-in clinics may be your best option. These clinics generally cater to low-income and uninsured patients. You may need to wait several hours to see a doctor on busy days, and they cannot treat all conditions. Most moderate to large cities have at least one such clinic, and they have a variety of names, such as urgent care or public health clinics.

State-Sponsored Care

• Contact your state's department of social and health services about state-sponsored health care. This type of care generally comes in the form of low-cost health insurance. There are restrictions that vary by state, such as income levels, residency requirements and exclusions for some pre-existing conditions. Many states offer "high-risk pools" for those who can't gain insurance due to their medical conditions. There may also be a long waiting list to get care, as the state limits how many people can gain coverage on these plans. This is a good option for individuals and families that meet the state requirements and are not currently in need of urgent care.

Federal Resources

• There are rapidly changing regulations in health care, so keep yourself informed. The official federal health care website offers information and options, including a questionnaire to find insurance in your state (see Resources). You may find that coverage is not as expensive as you thought it would be, especially as new regulations take effect.

Specific Conditions

• If you have no insurance and require health care for a specific condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or HIV, visit the websites of any associations affiliated with such conditions. From there, you can contact local support groups whose members may have advice specific to your condition, such as knowledge of a specialty clinic with sliding scale fees. If a family member has a critical or acute condition due to an accident, you may be able to raise funds to cover the medical care by reaching out to your family's religious organization or organizing a community fundraiser. Do not rely on this method for general medical care, and remember that you must report all donation income on your tax return, but it can assist you in a crisis.