Medical Care Options for the Uninsured
Published: April 30, 2009
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These days, with the economy, job loss, and numerous other financial problems, the problem of no health insurance is on the minds of many Americans. This is not a new problem, but with so many people facing this question, it’s come to the forefront once again.
So what are the options for people who don’t have health insurance? What happens when they get sick, have an injury, or just need a regular check up? The price of healthcare is not going down, but the need for healthcare hasn’t diminished either. A mother with a sick child can’t very well dismiss the need to see a doctor because she has no health insurance, so what does she do? An elderly man may have Medicare, but that is not always sufficient for all his needs.
This healthcare crisis is very real in our country and unfortunately it doesn’t look like it is going to get any better. One of the two presidential candidates promises to deregulate healthcare and give individuals and families with employment health insurance the option of buying their own insurance on the open market.
Employers will be required to pay taxes on the insurance they purchase on behalf of their employees. This proposed measure is sure prompt employers to stop providing health insurance. The result will be millions of people without health insurance who are forced to seek insurance on the open market. Insurance cost, due to deregulation is sure to increase, forcing many Americans to go without insurance.
How do the uninsured get medical care? In very creative ways if you take the time to search for them. There are three sources of medical care that the uninsured can tap into. These sources are not widely known but they are a blessing to millions of Americans who are desperate for medical attention. Colleges and Universities, Community/Public Health Clinics, and Medical Study Participation are the three sources of medical care that individuals and families without health insurance can use for their healthcare needs.
Colleges and Universities
Most college and university campuses that have a medical and/or dental program have a clinic. Students in these programs must have practical experience so the school establishes a lab. This lab is the place for students to practice what they have learned for the last few months or years of study. The students must have patients to work on so this is where you come in. the process is simple for the most part and requires a standard application, appointment time and small fee.
A search through the phone book or website will give you the contact information you need. Call or email the clinic on campus for information and an appointment. If the clinic has a page on the school’s website you should be able to gather the majority of the information you need from there.
Some clinics will have either an online application or a downloadable application that you can submit ahead of time or bring for your appointment. Appointment times may be easy to obtain or difficult depending on the popularity of the clinic. Sometimes the next appointment available may be weeks or months away, but don’t let that discourage you. Make an appointment anyway and call periodically to see if there is a cancellation.
The fees are usually quite low and affordable for the average person. Depending on the services you may pay a fee of $25 up to $125. The clinic nearest you can give you exact amounts. Some clinics may have a sliding scale system where the fee is based on your income.
The students providing the services are upper level and provide care under the supervision of an experienced instructor. They are extra careful and take their time because their grade depends on the quality of service. You may spend a little longer than usual in the clinic because the thoroughness of the care takes priority over the swiftness you may be accustomed to.
Community/Public Health Clinics
The community health clinic has gotten a bad reputation over the years. It’s known as the place where only the poor and homeless go for healthcare. This is a myth and you will find that your local health department managed clinic is a clean and friendly place to receive medical attention.
Community/Public Health Clinics may be run by the county health department, the county hospital, or a team of doctors who generously donate their time and talents to the under served. The facility is equipped with all the necessary and modern tools needed to ensure proper care. They may not have cutting edge equipment but the doctors and nurses are highly skilled and able to provide very good care.
Overall the quality of care at community health clinics is just a good as at a “regular” doctor’s office. The difference may be the volume of patients waiting to be seen, less personalized care, and the price.
The cost of care at the community health clinic is minimal compared to a visit at a doctor’s office. You may receive free care or pay a nominal fee of $10-$50 depending on what services you need. You can also receive free or discount medication, samples, and other important treatments.
Often you can simply walk into a clinic but you will receive faster service if you make an appointment. Some services are only on a first come, first serve basis and others require an appointment. Other services may only be available on certain days and times. You will need to call your local public health clinic or visit the website if one is available for more information.
The list of services at a community clinic ranges from pediatric to geriatric care. You may receive a physical, an eye exam, or a dental exam. The services vary and may include a wide range of services or a select few. Public clinics don’t offer specialized care for chronic or acute situations, but don’t despair because there are sources for certain illnesses that you may be able to get for free!
Medical Studies
When you hear the term, medical studies, the picture of guinea pigs may come to mind. In reality, if it weren’t for guinea pigs, lab rats, and monkeys there wouldn’t be too many advancements in medicine. Without medical studies the new treatments for conditions and diseases like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure would not be possible.
If you are suffering from a chronic illness you may be a candidate for a number of current studies. There are research companies all over the US and Europe that are searching for people with specific illnesses. They often look for a variety of conditions and diseases because they are testing and researching the cause of and probable treatment for certain illnesses.
Where are these research facilities? They are all across the US. One particular company has locations in 16 states with a few states having several facilities. There are independent facilities as well as university research facilities. A quick internet search may produce a list for your city or state. Some teaching hospitals also have research facilities that conduct trials and focus groups.
There are occasions when recruiters will announce new studies in your local area via newspaper ads, radio ads, craigslist.org, backpage.com, or other places where the general public access information. Your doctor may know of a medical study so ask the next time you visit. The government’s National Institute of Health has a website that list hundreds of studies. The site is challenging to navigate but with the right search terms you can find what you are looking for.
The benefits of being a part of a medical study are numerous. You will get free physical exams, free medication, and possibly a stipend for your time and travel. A regular doctor’s visit is expensive and can add up when you are sick. The physical exam is a regular part of the medical studies process since the researchers want to be sure that your condition is indeed what they are looking for.
A part of the medical study process is medication. Some meds may be new and experimental and others may be the standard fare. The point is that you will receive medication for your illness. The effect of the medication is what they want to study in most cases so you have to follow instructions accurately. You get free medicine and they get to see the results.
The last benefit for participating in a medical study is the money you will likely receive. This stipend covers your travel and time for participating in the study. Research programs are funded for a certain amount and payments to participants is one of the expenses they expect to have. If you’ve had to travel a long distance to participate in the study the money should cover gas and over night stay if you are not housed by the facility. Ask about this when you are interviewed for the study.
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Healthcare is a topic that’s heavy on the mind of most Americans. As the economy continues to nosedive more and more people find themselves without health insurance. And certainly with all the layoffs the problem just gets worse. Finding alternatives to traditional medical care like university clinics, community health services, or medical research facilities is a breath of fresh air to the stressed out people who are victims of the economic crunch.
Samantha is a freelance writer, author, and single mom minister. She blogs about single mom personal finance at http://richsinglemomma.com (pick up the FREE Single Mom Survival and Success Kit there) and about various topics at http://samanthagregory.com.
Copyright © 2012 you129 & Samantha Gregory. All rights reserved.
