Tips to Access Low-Cost and Free Healthcare

Having limited financial resources when you need medical care may raise concerns about your budget and health. However, there are options if you are underinsured or lack insurance. In addition to the insurance coverage underwritten by the government, low-cost and accessible healthcare is available for adults, including children and seniors.

                         

How much do uninsured Americans pay for healthcare?

Uninsured people are charged more for healthcare and typically pay more out of pocket. It is because they do not benefit from the reduced rates negotiated by private insurance companies and public insurers like Medicaid and Medicare.

How to get medical treatment without insurance?

Clinics and hospitals of all kinds accept patients who do not possess insurance. Few offer financial assistance programs or uninsured patient discounts.

Specific health centers were created to care for people who lack insurance and work with them for payment. These providers include:

A) Charitable and free clinics that are precisely for ‘medically underserved’ people like those without access to insurance.

B) Federally qualified health centers like FQHCs are community health facilities funded by the federal government to provide medical care in underserved areas.

C) Safety-net hospitals and clinics with health centers are called public hospitals, county hospitals, or essential hospitals.

Why do the uninsured pay the highest price?

As noted earlier, uninsured people usually do not have a financially responsible party advocating for a low cost of service. Apart from saving money from the free prescription discount cards, people without insurance are sometimes asked to pay the total medical bill at the service time.

1. Medicaid

One of the best ways for uninsured people to receive low-cost and accessible healthcare is to apply for government insurance programs like Medicaid.

2. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Health insurance coverage is provided to 10 million children in the US through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. It targets low-income children and, in some states, low-income pregnant women.

3. Federally qualified health centers (FQHC)

Federally qualified health centers, or FQHCs, are community-based primary care providers funded by the federal government for underserved areas and populations.

Apart from these, you can save money on prescriptions through the free Rx card. It will help you get the best prescription discounts.