Help for People Who Cannot Afford Health Insurance

According to Factcheck.org, a project within the Annenberg Public Policy Center, two-thirds of the millions of uninsured Americans are near or below the poverty line as defined by the federal government. Government agencies, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies offer free and low cost help to uninsured Americans in need of healthcare.

Considerations

• The federal government offers a healthcare program called Medicaid for low-income American citizens that is administered by state governments. Additionally, many states offer low-cost healthcare programs, but on a first come, first serve basis. Typically, a person is eligible for such a program only if she can produce documents that prove she has a low income that meets the program's requirements. In Washington State, the Basic Health program requires participants to have an income level that is 0 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level in addition to meeting other requirements. The Basic Health program, like similar programs in other states, provides access to a network of doctors. Due to budget constraints and high demand, the program often has a waiting list.

Certain Populations

• Medicare is a federally sponsored program for Americans 65 years old or older who have worked for at least 10 years at a Medicare-covered job. Younger people with certain disabilities are also eligible. The program is open to all income levels.

Alternative

• Several private companies offer access to discounted healthcare services for a set fee. Such plans are not insurance, and sometimes require co-pays or reimbursements. Discount health plans simply offer healthcare services at a slightly lower cost.

Function

• Many cities have health clinics that offer low cost or free care and consultation. The San Francisco City Clinic provides a wide variety of services including STD tests, pregnancy tests and HIV partner counseling. Many colleges and universities also offer low cost or free health services to students. The facilities are at least partially funded by student dues included in the tuition.

Warning

• Since traditional health insurance is not affordable for everyone, some people use the emergency rooms at their local hospitals as their only source of medical care. Not having regular medical check ups and not having access to preventative care, may lead to large emergency room care bills for treatment of preventable conditions.