The Associated Press
REPORTS HERE that "the health care overhaul passed earlier this year
will help many uninsured get coverage starting in 2014. But until then,
Americans who lose employer coverage may find buying insurance on their
own unaffordable. That means many of the 46 million Americans
uninsured have to foot the bill for medical care."
The AP offers suggestions on how people might cope with a lack of health insurance:
"The best time to search out medical care is long before an
emergency. And there are low or no-cost options. Having a primary
physician and going in for regular visits is the key to staying healthy
and avoiding the emergency room..."
"People who have a primary care doctor when they lose
their insurance should tell their physician about the change in status
and ask if there is any flexibility on fees. Many physicians will offer a
sliding scale or reduced payments to maintain the relationship."
"Community
health centers, partially funded by the federal government, provide
uninsured Americans with a regular doctor who knows their health
situations and can help them manage chronic diseases like diabetes or
asthma. The clinics offer treatment according to the patient's ability
to pay and in some cases, for free. The closest of the 1,250 centers can
be located at http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/."
"Even if you can't afford
to insure yourself, you might be able to insure your children. The
federal government and states offer insurance for children through the
Children's Health Insurance Program. The program helps families
that can't afford private coverage and don't have insurance through an
employer. Every state has a different program but assistance is usually
available based on income limits. For a family of four, the limit is
$44,100. For more information go to:
http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/."
"Trips to the ER can be
financially crippling for those without insurance. But if you have an
urgent problem, don't skip the ER. Hospitals are often willing to
make a payment plan and even write down much of the bill. But the
patient has to take the first step. When the emergency is over, talking
to the billing department ASAP will give you the best chance to reduce
your costs."
