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Help for the Uninsured

Going without health insurance is fast becoming the number one problem in the United States. Many other countries offer some sort of medical coverage for little or no money, but the US has remained as one of the few westernized countries that makes health care a for-profit industry. Without insurance you need to be clever and stay aware.

  1. Major Illness and Accidents

    • Make sure you go to a county hospital. Private hospitals and other hospitals are compelled to help all those in need, but there will be a bill. County hospitals are the only ones who may be able to work with you on payment. In some states there are state funded medical programs for the uninsured who are also below a certain income level. If you have an accident or a severe illness, many times they can enroll and qualify you during your hospital visit. But make sure you don't use the hospital as your major source of health care for treatment for the common cold or a rash or a cough. The care at a hospital is much more expensive than other sources and you'll end up with the bill.

    Minor Illness

    • This is the area where some progress has been made. Many private physicians offer a discount rate to those without insurance who are paying at the time of the visit. This can make a doctor's appointment affordable, usually in the $50 to $100 range as of 2009. Also there are small chains of what is sometimes called "Doc In A Box" usually called "urgent care" where you can walk in without an appointment and treatment is often affordable without insurance. Chain stores like Walgreen's and Wal-Mart are following this trend and opening in-store clinics where you can see a doctor and get your prescription all in one place.

    Prescriptions

    • Going without prescription health coverage is difficult because so many of the pills for daily health maintenance are terribly expensive. Some stores do offer great prices on generic drugs, but what if what you need has no generic? When you have a prescription that works for you and you know it is going to be long term, go to the manufacturer's website and see if they offer help to those without insurance. If you qualify, you will be able to receive prescriptions directly from the manufacturer delivered to your doctor's office on a quarterly basis. There is a lot of paperwork and you have to stay on top of it, but it is well worth the time and effort.

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