I have no health insurance, how can I get care?

Being uninsured or underinsured does not mean there are no avenues to get health coverage. Hospitals that accept federal money must provide a certain amount of free or reduced fee care. Check with the hospital's financial aid department to see if you qualify for reduced or charity care.

To start the processes of getting care, meet with a caseworker at the hospital to gather relevant paper work and begin applying for Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security. Not everyone will qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid was established to provide healthcare to low-income individuals and families.

Since applications and rules vary from state to state it is best to contact your local Medicaid office directly or work with a hospital caseworker. Be aware of any deadlines or important documentation. Contact the relevant benefit offices to set up any appointments or interviews needed to expedite the process and to confirm the documentation needed. Be sure to keep accurate and thorough records of everyone you are in contact with. If you are unsure of your eligibility, it is best to apply and have a caseworker or lawyer review your application.

Caseworkers or social workers are sometimes assigned by your hospital (though you may have to ask for one). They are there to assist you in managing your family member's care.

Medicaid is a state-based assistance program serving low-income people under the age of 65. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses, although a small co-payment may be required. Each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. For information regarding the program in your state, call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-877-267-2323.

Medicare is a federal insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds which those covered have paid into. It primarily serves people 65 and over, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled people after they have received disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. For more information on Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Children
If a patient is under 18 years of age, look into your state health insurance program for children (SCHIP). SCHIPs provide low-cost insurance coverage to families and children. Eligibility is determined by each state and is income and disability based. Each state's SCHIP program may have a different name. It is important to note that your child may qualify for SCHIP coverage even if denied Medicaid. Children may also be eligible for some disability benefits from Supplemental Security Income.

Below are some websites and publications to help you navigate the Medicaid/Medicare process along with websites specific to the SCHIP program:

• Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service
• Medicare and Medicaid
• Kaiser Foundation's Navigating Medicare and Medicaid: Resource Guides for People with Disabilities, Their Families, and Their Advocates
• State Children's Health Insurance Program
• Insure Kids Now
• Shriners Hospital