Today’s medical insurance costs are getting out of hand. Administrative expenses, increasing prescription fees, and more demand for healthcare due to lifestyle choices are driving prices up. It can be difficult for anyone to afford coverage.
If you are unable to get coverage due to financial circumstances, there are options. This article will help you find ways to get the care you need without breaking the bank.
Catastrophic Health Insurance
Catastrophic health insurance covers emergency situations. It is used for serious accident injuries and illnesses. The plans typically have low monthly premiums and high deductibles.
The insurance is only available for people under 30 and those who have a hardship or affordability exemption. In addition to covering emergency services, it also covers some preventative services and at least three primary care visits a year until patients reach their deductibles. It covers the same Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) as other marketplace plans with some limitations.
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) are available to low-income adults, families, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. It is offered by federal and state governments. Requirements change from state to state.
CHIP is a federal and state program that offers insurance to children of families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. The plan may also extend to cover prenatal and postnatal care for low-income pregnant women.
Short Term, Limited Duration Insurance, and COBRA
Short Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) is designed for individuals between jobs. They are less expensive than traditional insurance plans, but they also offer less coverage. They typically have terms of up to 12 months but can be renewed for up to 36 months.
COBRA is a federal law that allows consumers to stay on their employee plans for a limited time after they are let go. It will be more expensive than the plan they were paying for through work because it requires consumers to pay the employer’s premium as well as their own. Consumers will have 60 days after they are terminated to decide if they want to enroll.
Community-Based Healthcare
There are several Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that offer free medical services or charge on a sliding scale. They are government funded to serve uninsured, low-income individuals and underserved communities. They include:
- Migrant Health Centers provide health services to farmworkers and their families on a sliding scale.
- Public Housing Primary Care provides healthcare to public housing residents either in their complex or at another location.
- Health Care for Homeless Program, which provides healthcare to homeless people.
- Rural Health Clinics offer services to people in rural, underserved areas. They typically provide care on a sliding scale to uninsured individuals.
- Volunteer or Free Clinics, which are volunteer-run and offer free healthcare.
- School-Based Centers, which are run by school and community groups and offer on-premises care.
Prescription Medication Discounts
Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical companies that participate in Medicaid to sell drugs at discounted prices to organizations that care for many low-income, uninsured patients. Participating organizations include various children’s hospitals, referral centers, community hospitals, and more.
UBERDOC
If you shop around, you may find options for affordable healthcare. But you never know what type of quality you are getting. UBERDOC offers a cost-friendly solution that ensures you get the reliable treatment you need.
The UBERDOC platform allows you to find care quickly and easily. We offer a database of doctors in a variety of medical fields. Each has been carefully vetted to confirm they meet our high standards before they are added to our platform.
Consumers can book through our website without insurance. No referrals are necessary. In just a few clicks, you will get an appointment with one of our qualified providers eliminating the need to deal with hold times.
Our providers have appointments reserved for UBERDOC patients, so you won’t have to wait months to see a provider. Most appointments can be scheduled in 1-3 days.
But the best thing about UBERDOC may be our prices. Office visits are just $250. That’s cheaper than most copays and insurance costs.
Today’s insurance premiums and deductibles are unaffordable for many people. Fortunately, there are ways around expensive insurance bills.
If you don’t qualify for a government program, UBERDOC may be your best option. We provide affordable, convenient service that takes the stress of medical care off your shoulders. Check out our website to find out more about what we have to offer.
