How to Get Medical Help With No Insurance

It seem like every time you turn on the TV, open a newspaper or check out your favorite news site, the debate on insurance reform and health care comes charging at you. Many find the prospect of change frightening, while others see it as lifesaving. And although Gallup reports that one in six people in this country is without insurance, media personalities and politicians have made health care reform quite a contentious debate. In September 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the number of uninsured Americans has risen to 46.3 million. Fortunately, there are some safety nets available for the uninsured in need of medical treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper
• Internet access
• Phone access
• Phone book
• Proof of income
• Proof of address

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Instructions

Getting Started

• 1

  Check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. This site allows you to search your area by address, city, state, zip code or county for federally funded health care centers. Although most centers accept walk-ins, it's best to call and make an appointment. You will need to bring proof of income and all other paperwork requested, because these centers work on a sliding pay scale, basing charges on your income. Services include well and sick checkups for adults and children, prenatal care, immunizations for children, prescription drug help for your family, and substance abuse and mental health care. If you can't locate a health care center near you, try the following options.

• 2

  Find your state health department. There are differences between state health departments and the federally funded HHS health care centers. Most states offer programs funded with federal and state money. Most states' official websites provide links to their health departments. There you can find several resources, including links to the nearest health department. All state programs run differently -- some provide indigent care programs and free screenings, checkups and prenatal care for the uninsured, while others offer financial aid programs and income-based fees.

• 3

  Go to your local walk-in clinic. Check out your local yellow pages for the one nearest you. Call before walking in, though. Some clinics work on a sliding pay scale while others have flat rates for those without insurance.

• 4

  Go to the emergency room of a local hospital as a last resort. Much debate surrounds the rule that doctors must attend to emergency room patients regardless of their ability to pay. To some, this thinking invites the uninsured to use the emergency room for non-emergency situations, such as well-child checkups, thus causing massive overcrowding and delaying treatment for those in life-threatening emergencies. In July 2009, HHS released a report titled "New Data Say Uninsured Account for Nearly One-Fifth of Emergency Room Visits." However, if you feel your condition could be life-threatening, go to the emergency room and seek help.