Many Americans face the challenge of finding quality medical care at an affordable price, but some cannot afford even inexpensive coverage. If you are having a heart attack, about to give birth or in the midst of some other medical emergency, a hospital cannot turn you away, according to the Legal Aid Society. But if you need routine or preventive care, you will need to tap some other sources of free or inexpensive medical treatment.
Instructions
1. Talk to your regular physician, if you have one. Tell her that you are having trouble paying for your health care. She might be able to refer you to some local resources that could help. She also might offer to reduce your bill, especially if you pay in full in cash, or to give you a payment plan.
2. Seek government help. If you are over 65, you are eligible for Medicare, the federal health plan for the elderly. But if you are younger, you still could qualify for Medicaid, the government plan that provides care for low-income people. According to MediLexicon International Ltd. Medicare, individual states establish the qualifications for Medicare, so check with your state Medicare office.
3. Take advantage of free clinics and care offered through your municipal health department. Most cities have free medical clinics that offer free or vastly reduced care and preventive programs. In addition, many city or county health departments offer free or reduced-cost screenings and preventive care.
4. Apply for free prescriptions. If you have an ongoing need for prescription medications, check out the resources available through Partnership for Prescription Assistance at www.pparx.org, or ask your prescribing physician whether the manufacturer of your medication has a program to provide the drugs at no or a reduced cost.
Tags: offer free, preventive care, some other
