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Affordable Health Care Assistance

With the high cost of health care in America, the government offers several options for affordable health care assistance. The Affordable Care Act provides many ways to lighten the cost burden on the consumer and obtain affordable care. Additionally, each state offers medical assistance programs such as Medicaid, and the Children Health Insurance Plan, to low-income families. Other federally-funded programs, such as the Hill-Burton Program, and certain health centers, also offer free or low-cost care to those in need.

  1. The Affordable Care Act

    • In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act enacted several reforms to help Americans get and keep affordable health insurance. Provisions of the act include the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, which offers insurance to sick people who were formerly denied coverage, due to pre-existing conditions. The ACA also extends health coverage for a child, under her parent's plan, through age 26. The new reform also includes the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, which expands coverage to early retirees. The ACA provides increased federal funding to state Medicaid programs and rural health providers, and requires insurance plans to cover preventive care at no cost to the patient. Check healthcare.gov for the time line of upcoming changes.

    Medicaid

    • Medicaid is a state-sponsored health insurance program for no- or low-income individuals and their families. Each state runs a medical assistance program, also called Medicaid, to provide insurance to the financially needy. Eligibility for Medicaid, and the application process, is determined at the state level. Each state's Department of Insurance maintains an office and website that has information about its Medicaid program. Medicaid offers comprehensive coverage including well care services, routine doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription coverage and other health-related services. Check your state for other helpful programs such as the Children Health Insurance Plan.

    Federally Funded Health Centers

    • Federally funded health centers are located in all states to provide health care services to individuals and families. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these health centers only charge what you can afford to pay. They offer services to anyone, even if they don't have health insurance. You can visit a federally funded health center for routine care, child health care, dental care, prescription coverage and behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.

    The Hill-Burton Program

    • Under the Hill-Burton Program, a federal law, about 200 health care facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, must offer health care services at low or no cost to patients. Eligibility is based upon income and family size, and anyone falling within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines is eligible for care at one of these facilities. A list of facilities obligated to provide these services is located on the Health Resources and Services Administration website or by calling 1-800-638-0742. To apply for free or low cost care, visit the facilities' admissions or patient accounts office.

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