The Money Saving Fifty (50)

With the hubbub going on about a new healthcare plan and what it bodes for the country, people are wondering if universal healthcare is the answer. Many people have lived without health insurance for some time. They’ve managed to learn how to survive being uninsured. Here’s how you can do it, too, if you were suddenly faced with losing your health insurance.

Estimates claim more than 46 million people either don’t have health insurance or are underinsured. Studies also comment that half of all bankruptcies are due to excessive medical bills. There are also some reports stating those without insurance are more likely to die from major diseases because they don’t receive preventative care to catch these diseases as they begin. They are also more likely to miss work due to being ill.

Here are some options to help you survive being uninsured:

If you’ve recently lost your job and previously had health insurance, you should be able to get COBRA insurance for up to 18 months. You will, however, have to pay for this coverage which could cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month for a family. Costs would be considerably less for an individual.

High-deductible polices are offered by many major medical health insurance companies. You may have to pay more for routine visits to see your doctor, but they do cover catastrophic health care bills. How much you pay per month will be determined by how much of a deductible you choose, the co-pay, and whether you’re single or need family health care.

* Almost every state offers low- or no-cost health insurance for children. These children’s insurance plans are based upon income, so if you’ve recently lost your job at least your children’s health care can be covered. Check with your county’s health department to find out what the options are for your family.

* Check for state health department clinics or low-cost clinics which charge based on your family’s income.

* Look in the newspapers or pay attention to see if there are health fairs sponsored by community organizations or local employers. These fairs may provide low-cost or free screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, or more. This won’t replace a visit to a doctor, but it could cost considerably less and will at least let you know about possible health problems that do need to be seen to.

* You may have seen the commercials recently for drug companies offering breaks on the cost of prescriptions. Contact NeedyMeds or Partnership for Prescription Assistance to see if you qualify.

* See if there is a Lion’s Club International campaign available. They offer free vision screenings and can provide recycled glasses if you can’t afford to pay for them. You can also check with the American Optometric Association to see if they know of a doctor that offers optometry exams for free.

* Dental issues can often be dealt with by a dental school in your area. While you may not enjoy going to a dentist, and the prospect of a dental student doing the work makes you shudder, it may be the least expensive way to get your dental needs met.

It is possible to learn how to survive being uninsured. These suggestions may be what you need to help you maintain your health while facing financial difficulties. It is possible to be seen if you have a health issue without health insurance and these suggestions can tell you how.