Low Income Health Insurance Resource

Posted in Health Insurance

December 1st, 2009

Affording health insurance is a challenge for many Americans. According to a 2008 Census Bureau report, 46.3 million Americans were without health insurance. However, when the final tally is counted for 2009, that number is expected to jump to 50 million.

With over 10% of the working population (roughly 15 million) unemployed in October 2009, most are without health insurance unless they have been able to keep their COBRA benefits. This, along with the fact that health care costs have skyrocketed and many employers cannot insure their workers means that a staggering number people are forced to go without proper health care.

Health Insurance Costs and the Consequences of a Lack of Coverage

As we all know, Congress has been working tirelessly to draft a bill that will present affordable health insurance to the nation’s masses. One reason for the strong effort is the high number of Americans without coverage, and another is the unbelievably high cost for those who do have coverage.

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services revealed that in 2007, $7,421 was spent per person (man, woman and child) in health expenses. According to more recent data, that number is projected to top $8,000 for 2009.

Because individuals and families can’t seem to get around paying thousands in premiums, deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses each year – and those without insurance can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket – for many, the hard choice has become going without medical care.

The problem is that there are consequences to the choice. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that those who are uninsured tend to receive less preventative care, as well as less therapeutic care (drugs and surgical interventions), and as a result are often diagnosed only at advanced disease stages.

Even worse, data from a Harvard Medical School research team revealed that 45,000 deaths have been attributed to a lack of health insurance and that 40% of uninsured working-age Americans are more likely to die than those with private coverage.

Low-Income Health Insurance Options

With so much evidence that health insurance is vital to the well-being of the country, low-income insurance options began cropping up to present affordable alternatives to unemployed and underemployed workers. Low-income health insurance is simply an affordable way for those with little-to-no income to pay for their health care costs. This insurance could come in the form of free and low-cost government programs, local medical clinics or prescription drug programs.

Low Income Resources

The Office of Minority Health provides a great resource to the large majority of low-income insurance options available. Here are some links from the site that could help you locate program details, eligibility requirements and more:

1. Community Health Center Locator – This locator connects you with a number of community health centers and migrant health centers. You could also locate public housing primary care projects and other health care funding options from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Eldercare Locator – This locator is a public service of the U.S. Department of Aging and provides a nationwide directory to assist older persons in finding local low-income health care support. The directory provides the names and phone numbers of organizations within your area that could help get you the health coverage you need.
3. Eye Care America – This organization offers access to nationwide eye care programs for both seniors and sufferers of diabetes or glaucoma. According to the site, there are more than 7,500 ophthalmologists who volunteer to see ECA patients.
4. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Information Center – HRSA offers resources and referrals on health care services for low-income and uninsured individuals with special health care needs.
5. Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Care at Hospitals – Hill-Burton care helps individuals in nursing homes and other facilities pay for their car. Eligibility is based on family size and income.
6. Insure Kids Now! – This national campaign links families of uninsured children (ages birth to age 18) to free and low-cost state health insurance programs.
7. Medicaid – This health program is eligible to individuals and families with low income and little resources. This program is open to people of all ages and is jointly funded by states and the federal government.
8. Medicare – This is a social insurance program that is administered by the United States government. It provides hospital care and long term, as well as regular doctor’s visits and prescription drugs. This low-income health insurance coverage is available to people ages 65 and over.
9. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program – This program allows low-income, uninsured and underserved women to gain access to screening programs for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The program includes access to mammograms and Pap tests.
10. National HIV Testing Resources – If you are looking for information on HIV testing, as well as resources for those who have already tested positive, this site could connect you to some great information.
11. Pregnancy Care for the Disadvantaged – This site provides access to programs around the country that assist women who are pregnant and financially disadvantaged. Some programs might include those for medical care, advice and details about low-income health insurance for you and your baby after birth.
12. State and Local Health Departments – This site gives you access to a detailed list of state public health agencies, as well as additional links to local public health services.

If you are truly in a bind and need help paying for health care coverage, it’s good idea to begin your research to find affordable options in your area. It’s tough to pay for health costs you can’t afford, but even more difficult to learn that there were options available to assist after you’ve already over-extended yourself financially.

For more information on finding affordable health insurance, visit Go Insurance Rates for free health quotes.