What an overwhelming feat it is to confront medical issues head on, especially if you’re one of the millions of Americans without health insurance. Vast differences can be seen in health and overall quality of life when comparing individuals with and without insurance. Too often, individuals feel as if their health is largely dependent on their financial situation.
They might feel that they’re not one of the lucky ones who can afford to be taken care of by a physician. Countless uninsured people have postponed seeking medical attention – some even losing their lives as a result – simply because they felt as though they had no financial options for medical treatment.
On another extreme end of the scale, some uninsured individuals choose to use the emergency room as their doctor’s office. Unlike doctor’s offices that require either insurance or cash payment upfront, emergency rooms typically deal with the billing after the treatment.
The patient is comforted with fast care and then slammed with an astronomical bill. Not only are the services in the emergency room exponentially higher than those in a typical doctor’s office, but the patient will be taking valuable time away from staff who should be concentrating on patients with actual emergencies.
Contrary to popular belief, options abound for the uninsured, and there are now plenty of affordable – sometimes free – options for patients without insurance. The good news is you don’t have to be rich or poor to qualify. There is a resource for just about everyone.
A Regular Primary Care Doctor
When you call the doctor’s office, don’t let the question of insurance coverage discourage you. A doctor’s office will take cash. In fact, medical facilities prefer cash to dealing with insurance claims. In such cases, it is advisable to ask for a discount beforehand and get it in writing and signed by a facility supervisor, or by the doctor himself, if possible. Sometimes just taking the initiative to ask is all you need.
Direct Primary Care Providers
Another option for uninsured patients for primary and preventative care is enlisting the service of a direct primary care provider. This option is so convenient and affordable that some people are starting to reduce their current healthcare coverage in favor of this plan. In short, the patient locates a doctor in their area who practices as a direct primary care provider. They pay the provider a flat fee every month, and this “membership” entitles the patient to all the primary and preventative care they need, no matter how often they need to be seen. The monthly fee will vary by doctor; however, some plans are as low as $49, which is less than many monthly cable bill plans.
Urgent Care
It seems like urgent care centers are popping up on every corner, and they are usually comparable in price to a regular cash doctor visit. Some of the offices are stand-alone urgent care clinics, and some doctors open their offices after normal business hours and on weekends, transforming themselves into an urgent care facility. These facilities are preferable to emergency rooms in non-emergency situations, because their fees are much lower, the wait is usually much shorter and the staff is able to be more attentive in most instances.
Also, the other patients – the ones with whom you’ll be sharing the air in the waiting room – usually aren’t as sick as those in the emergency room, which minimizes the risk for you to contract another illness while seeking treatment for your own ailment.
Again, if you find yourself in need of care, and you lack insurance, steer clear of the hospital emergency room unless you feel your condition is life threatening or that it somehow truly calls for an emergency room setting. Instead, opt for the more convenient, less dramatic choice. Often, urgent care centers have much of the same equipment as an emergency room, so they can treat more than just the common cold. Each office varies, so it is recommended that you call ahead to ensure they can treat you when you arrive.
Walk-in Clinics
One of the greatest medical care options available today is the walk-in clinic. These facilities are ideal for someone who has no insurance. Because of its convenience, walk-in clinics are preferred by travelers, locals and those who are insured, underinsured and uninsured. Typically staffed with certified practitioners, these convenient clinics are usually tucked away in the back corner of a pharmacy or inside a grocery store.
Often, these clinics are equipped to treat strep throat and urinary tract infections and might also perform routine labs, and provide common vaccines like flu and hepatitis. Often, the costs associated with a walk-in clinic can be half the cost of a regular doctor visit for those who are paying cash.
Community Clinics
Locating a community clinic in your area can be most beneficial if you have a low level of income. Many of these clinics provide free or low-cost treatment, and the cost is usually determined on an income-based sliding scale. Community clinics typically offer services for prenatal care, vaccines, primary care, and assistance with finding a specialist when needed for such ailments as substance abuse, mental health and HIV/AIDS.
On-Campus Clinic
The new provision of the Affordable Care Act allowed many younger people to stay on their parent’s plan until age 26. But what if the parents don’t have insurance? Many college students are uninsured because their parents do not have insurance or they do not yet have a job with benefits. On-campus clinics usually don’t have access to sophisticated testing and diagnostic equipment; however, many of the services at these on-campus clinics are either low-cost or free of charge, and the range of services are typical of a walk-in clinic.
Health Screenings
Keep an eye out for free or low-cost health screenings in your area. Hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics usually hold them throughout the year. There are health screenings for issues such as breast cancer, diabetes and cholesterol. Usually, screenings are done by the facility in an attempt to raise awareness and catch diseases early on, raising the likelihood of a successful treatment. Sometimes facilities hold all-day health screening events which might not be advertised. However, you can call each facility that could hold these screenings from time to time for a schedule.
Counselors/Therapists
If you find yourself in need of counseling or therapy for issues such as depression or substance abuse, you can find services in many of the same ways as physical treatment. There are free/low-cost and sliding-scale mental health clinics as well as typical stand-alone offices that accept cash patients. Taking care of mental health is an absolute necessity for thriving and maintaining day-to-day routines. Doing a little research on the mental health providers in your area would be beneficial. Mental health is just as necessary as physical health.
Another option that may be available is the use of non-profit care facilities. These types of facilities are privately funded and pertain to a specific message or mission. They can have a religious affiliate or revolve around a simple common desire to help those who are less fortunate.
If you are unable to pay for any medical service, be honest with the provider. Sometimes communication is all that is necessary to bridge gaps in your healthcare. Furthermore, if you are disabled, pregnant, or have a chronic disease, you may also consider looking into a government-funded healthcare plan.
Most government-funded plans require you to meet certain income requirements, but they also can be most helpful when you do not understand your healthcare options. Whichever route you decide to take, don’t stay away from the doctor because of a lack of health insurance. Early detection is the key to treating most illnesses. Moreover, treating disease early is usually less expensive than trying to fight it off later.
Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
Thank you so much for the compliment! We are more than happy to help. Good luck in your new endeavor!
Your article under “Medical Billing Advocates of America” is interesting. I would like to know which doctors in Avon, Indiana are Direct Primary Care Providers (and what they charge on a monthly basis) since most of them act like they have never heard of it. Even one close to Avon would be helpful, like Plainfield, IN, or Danville, IN, etc.
P.S. Walk in clinics that I know of are also called “Emergency Care” facilities. The cost to go to the one in Greenwood, IN is the same as any doctor’s office, even higher.
Hi, Linda. Thanks so much! Unfortunately, we do not have access to that type of information.
I just turned 64. I have been trying to hold off until I can get Medicare. I tried AFFORDABLE insurance but I am below the recommended income line. It would cost me almost as much as I get in SS income. The deductible was off the charts.
My problem: I am having such painful problems with my legs and sometimes middle upper back and a bone spur maybe in my heel of the better leg. It seems to be getting worse everyday. Walking is so very painful. It is ruining my quality of living.
I need a solution to get some health care. I live in Oklahoma. Thanks for any information.
I’m so sorry for the difficulties you are going through. Have you tried to get Medicaid until you qualify for Medicare? Please feel free to give us a call so that we can further discuss your situation. 855-203-7058. We are here Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.
My son had his wisdom teeth removed and the oral surgeon didn’t prescribe antibiotics. The required down payment was made prior to his procedure even. What wasn’t he told he had an infection prior to the extraction? Why wasn’t an antibiotic prescribed, and why didn’t they give him a follow up appointment? Quality care was pushed to the wayside for him.
Within a week’s time, fever developed along with multiple other symptoms (couldn’t open his mouth much, stick neck, muscle spasms, etc). He went to the ER to seek help, and tests showed the infection settled into his jaw bone, as well as having an abscess form. They did an I&D, ran 2 bags of antibiotics, and sent him home, telling him he needed to see a specialist soon to prevent it going into his bloodstream or brain. They told him it was life-threatening. They were going to transfer him to a hospital that had the care he needed, but sent him home instead. I’m assuming their plans changed do to him not having insurance. Sadly, the company he works for doesn’t provide insurance, he doesn’t qualify for state aid, and Obama Care is too much to buy. Specialists want full payment to see him or perform what is necessary. His life is at stake, and I cannot believe it has come down to this. What is a person supposed to do, sit and wait for death?
I’m very sorry hear about this situation and about the mistakes that appear to have happened, which has resulted in such serious complications with your son’s health. It’s sad to say that we have seen this type of situation with other consumers who have come to us. I do suggest that you contact an attorney who works in malpractice to see if he can be of assistance to you. All of these costs should not be put as a burden on you and your son. We wish your son the best in getting well again.
My daughter is 44 and was recently admitted to a hospital and a huge mass found on her ovary. The hospital gave her a prescription for pain medicine and referred her to somewhere else because they are not equipped for the surgery she is going to need. They referred her to KU Medical Center but she has no insurance and is being told she has to be approved by finance before she can be seen. She doesn’t have time to wait and emergency surgery is not an option. Any suggestions?
Normally the approval process can be done in minimal time, and should be able to be done on an emergency basis. Contact the financial assistance department and speak to a social worker and explain the urgency to them. They should be able to proceed quickly. If you are unable to get this done, I suggest going through the emergency room.
I have a golf ball size lump back of knee.It doesn’t pain , but sometimes bothering me. I don’t have heath insurance. I want to know that what is in it. I try to wait until I get medicare, it is too long. I don’t have money for checking my leg. Could you help me ?
Are there any free clinics in your area? If not call your local facilities and ask if they offer charity care or financial assistance for those without insurance.
My nephew was recently in a horrible car accident. He’s not insured and the bill is getting larger by the minute. He lives in Texas and we are trying to find help anywhere we can. Would you happen to have any recommended website or phone numbers we can call to get some help for our current situation? He’s in the ICU and will hopefully be released soon and will need to be admitted to a head trama rehab center. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
If your nephew is uninsured, many facilities will offer an “uninsured discount”, but you must ask for it. Also have him apply for charity care at the facilities. Here is a website that offers resources for help for people who need help paying bills, including medical bills. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/
I hope this helps and I hope for a speedy recovery for your nephew!
Hello I’m trying to find some way my 27 yr old daughter whom has no job at the time and she has no insurance she needs to see a medical doctor quickly .she needs to get a certain medicine .and she needs the medicine now please help her
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. Without knowing any more details, I can tell you that a lot of medical facilities will give an uninsured discount to patients who do not carry health insurance. That facility already has pre-negotiated rates with insurance companies for services and procedures, which means that they will take less than the “retail price” for services. However, I strongly suggest that you get a negotiated price beforehand. Get that quote in writing and have it signed by an appropriate member of facility staff. Also, here is a link to a website that might be of help to get her some financial assistance. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/financial_help_with_medical_bi.html
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so that we can get more information and help you more. 855-203-7058
I am a permanent resident and my daughter who is not a resident of the US is visiting me. She has back pain and does not have insurance. Do you know how and where I can get her to go to a doctor to check her status without paying a lot?
Without knowing more details about the situation, I would suggest contacting medical facilities near you and explain that she does not have insurance. Ask if they offer an “uninsured discount”, as many facilities will. Also inquire about charity assistance/charity care. If you need any help, give us a call at 855-203-7058.
Here in the UK no-one has to worry about how to fund their treatment. It’s all funded by the tax payer and so it should be.
You still have an option to go private and pay, or you can buy a private insurance if you so wish.
The fact that the US can’t provide an affordable health care to its citizens speaks volumes.
US – the greatest country there’s ever been? I don’t think so. I for one thank my lucky stars that I’m not American!
There are a lot of good ideas on where to go if you do not have medical insurance. That is cool that campuses have a place that someone can go to, and not break the bank doing so. I would also think about going to an Urgent Care Center also.
I am a 51 year old special police officer, not long ago on an visit i had in the ER for severe nausea, the worst joint pain(almost the worst pain I had ever felt period!) dicolored stools, blood in urine, and lowgrade fever. the staff was more than compassionate and profesional. The attending doc entered and announced to me and my wife that I had Hepatitis-c and that it would be prudent to begin treatment as soon as possible. And THAT is where it stopped. I just started my job 6 mos ago and I missed the window to sign up for halfway decent insurance, so my wife put me on her insurance which is a pitiful policy and pays next to nothing so hep-c treatment is off the table right now and my symptoms get worse it seems by the week. I looked into the affordable care act, I now make to much to be able to gain any benefit and cant afford the out of pocket expenses. My visits to the ER are paid from out food budget so we have had to decide weather to eat then i suffer the severe symptoms or we go hungry a few days and i can receive some relief. We have had financial hardship from all the work i miss due to being in severe pain or nauseated to the point of being immobile. the last ER visit we made the attending wanted to admit me and run tests for LUPUS. there is nothing we can afford right now and we will NOT run up another hospital ER bill. and all the discoun ted or free clinics here will not except me because i make to much. I have been wearing a uniform and badge of some kind all of my adult life, helping others any way i can and some of them not even deserving to be helped or defended. I am the one who is in need now and it seems everyone has turned a blind eye or has an excuse. I am wondering now if thats just it for me now, and do i start getting my affairs in order. I am not so much worried about me but am worried for my wife. she deserves so much better than this…
Carl,
I am so sorry that you and your family are having to experience this right now. Families should not have to choose between necessary healthcare and very basic commodities that we need to survive. Please see the email sent from MBAA.
I’ve been reading the postings and I feel for all the people who are suffering… we really have a problem here.This is America,how can we be allowing this?
I have been trying to get medical help for three years. Affordable Health Care was a disaster and I didn’t get the help I needed before they cancelled me. I need surgery on my shoulder and I don’t know where to turn. I met with ANOTHER insurance agent yesterday and I simply cannot afford the coverage. I went to a local clinic and after I was approved for treatment, they more than tripled my bill. $325 for my first visit. I didn’t go back.
Hi, Susan. We couldn’t agree more. Healthcare costs in the U.S. are financially crippling us. Please give us a call at 855-203-7058 so that we can discuss your medical bills.
I do not have a job right now. I want to work but I dont have much strength now. I dont have medical insurance and no money to pay a doctor. I dont even have any money to pay my regular bills. What do I do now? I have no options I am scared I have a major medical issue that I cant get help for. What do I do now? I want to work and want to get help I cant do both.
I’m sorry that you are dealing with whatever is keeping you from working and causing medical issues. Without having more information, I can tell you that many healthcare facilities offer charity care to those who qualify. Depending on the facility, sometimes this can help clear a large percentage of the bill. Additionally, many healthcare facilities offer an uninsured discount to those who do not have health insurance and prompt-pay discounts for those who can pay their portion of the bill within a specified amount of time. Depending on your medical issue, there could be help for you available through local and national organizations, but you would need to research this. I hope this information helps!
Most states have universities that have medical programs. We do here in Oklahoma (OU). They have at the medical campuses “training” clinics where the resident doctors learn under the supervision of their teachers/specialist doctors. They are utilized by low/no income patients and use a sliding scale to determine the cost of services. Your PCP should have contact information for such clinics. It allows low income patients access to specialists that otherwise they couldn’t afford.
I live in a lower income area and our clinic services a lot of low income cash patients. We refer many patients to these training clinics for treatment. I hope this helps some of you without insurance.
Carl try to find a study. I did two….. Like to have killed me but the second one worked!! There is a cure
I can’t even type because I can’t hardly see, I also have body pain, my liver is bad, and I suffer from depression, and anxiety attacks, don’t know what to do they won’t give me no help.
Hi, James. I’m so sorry to hear this. Have you inquired about Charity Care programs at local healthcare facilities? A lot of medical facilities offer this aide, but you must inquire about it and fill out some paperwork to qualify. Also, many facilities offer an uninsured discount to those who do not have health insurance. This is something else that you must inquire about. If you have any medical bills that you would like us to look at, please don’t hesitate to call us at 855-203-7058.