We all know how very difficult it is to get medical care and medications without insurance coverage. Lately, the number of forum posts and messages about this in my email and our "Ask the Clinician" questions have been increasing dramatically. While I certainly don't have great answers for this problem, here are some avenues to investigate:
- State assistance: This is commonly know as Medicaid. Applicants must meet income requirements to be eligible. You can generally find information by going to your state's web site, then to the Health and Human Services division information. Medicaid covers medical care and prescription medications. In some cases, there is a "spend down," an amount you must spend on prescriptions each month before your prescriptions are covered. This is based on income.
- Prescription assistance programs: Virtually all the pharmaceutical companies have prescription drug assistance programs. If you have no insurance for prescriptions, and meet financial guidelines, there are forms your doctor can complete and submit to request free medications. The companies are usually quite generous, sending a 90-day supply, renewable by resubmitting the forms. Click HERE for a list of these programs.
- Free clinics: Many areas have free clinics for citizens who can't afford medical care. Some are able to give patients medications as well.
- In an emergency: Hospitals that bill Medicare, which includes virtually all hospitals, are required by law to provide emergency treatment regardless of ability to pay. In the absence of insurance, they will bill you. Many hospitals will continue to bill you and carry the account as long as you pay them even a few dollars a month. When you get the first bill, call their billing department and explain your situation. In most cases, this will prevent the bill being a black mark on your credit history.
- Social service agencies: In some communities, there are social service agencies that will help you by paying for doctor appointments and getting medications.
Unfortunately, there are people whose income is too much for them to qualify for assistance, yet too low to qualify for some of the assistance options. When in this situation, it's easy and perfectly natural to become so distraught that we can overlook ways to economize on expenses and put away money for medical care. It's surprising how much money you can save by cutting back in areas that may not have occurred to you. Here are some suggestions:
- Cable television: Either discontinue cable service or cut back to the most basic service plan.
- Telephone and cell phone: Do away with extra services such as caller ID, call waiting, etc. If you have a cell phone, consider doing away with your "land line" and using only your cell phone. Do some calculations comparing your cell phone service plan -- the number of minutes, etc. Often, it's less expensive to have only your cell phone. Or, if you evaluate your situation, and really don't need a cell phone, discontinue your cellular service.
- What do you drink?: If you reach for soft drinks all day, consider eliminating them and drinking water instead. If your tap water has a bad taste, you can invest in a water filter for less than many people spend on soft drinks in a week.
- Movies: How often do you go to the movie theater. How often do you rent movies? These costs add up quickly.
- Eating out, carry out, etc.: I know how hard it is to cook when you don't feel well. When you do feel like cooking, take advantage of it. Cook enough of your main dish for multiple meals, then freeze meals for days when you don't feel up to cooking.
- Books: Do you buy books for recreational reading. Get a library card. Also, look for a used book store. We have a wonderful used book store here where you can take in your books and get credit toward purchases of used books.
- Clip and coupons: Watch for coupons online that you can print, too. A friend's husband thought this was a total waste of time until she showed him that she had saved over $450 with coupons last year.
- For more ideas: Check out About Frugal Living. You can also subscribe to the About Frugal Living newsletter to have tips delivered to your inbox.
Do you have other suggestions that could be added to our list? If so, please email me at teri@ha-support.com to let me know!
