Have you just been laid off or fired? Losing your health insurance coverage can be scary, but there are ways to survive, but you know where to look.
So you’ve been fired or laid off and can’t afford those outrageous COBRA payments. What do you do until you can get health coverage again?
Assuming you’re a healthy person who usually only needs routine care, vaccination, or treatment for the occasional wound, a cleaning from a dentist, and yearly eye exams, there are ways to make it through the gap.
Start Saving
There are medical-savings accounts that are a viable alternative to health insurance, but it can take time to build enough cash to make the tax breaks worth it.
Let’s look at a plain old savings account. Stash whatever you can scrape up into an interest-bearing savings account. Even one hundred dollars can earn interest, and that can cover one visit to a clinic.
Even if you can only put away ten dollars a week, in a month or so, that could pay for a dental cleaning.
If you don’t use the money for medical visits, before you know it, you might have enough to buy a personal health insurance policy.
Resist the urge to use the money for a great pair of shoes or a new hairstyle. When you don’t have health coverage, those things need to take a back seat.
Limit Risks
Be sensible about your likelihood to become injured. Skip the rock climbing and sky-diving. Think twice about running that annual 5K marathon, too—a sprained ankle or broken leg could break the bank. I don’t mean you should hibernate, but take it easy until you have coverage again.
Take your vitamins, and spring for the twenty-dollar flu shot at the community clinic. Look at your habits, too. Drinking and smoking can weaken your immune system, which is the last thing you want right now.
Drink your orange juice, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Sometimes prevention really is the best medicine.
Be Sensible
If you normally go to a doctor every time you catch a cold, and the doctor always tells you to get more sleep and drink lots of fluid, take their advice and skip the visit.
Persistent illnesses require the care of a doctor, but the common cold usually has to run its course anyway.
Sometimes, just a phone call to the doctor’s office can be enough. Ask to speak to the nurse practitioner or medical assistant. They can advise you whether an office visit is really necessary.
If in doubt, always call rather than ignore your symptoms. Your health is the most important asset you have.
Low-Income and Urgent Care Clinics
Check your phone book or local hospital referral system for clinics in your area. Often, these are less costly options for simple medical problems you’d often see a doctor or visit the emergency room for, and that can get expensive.
Minor injuries, such as scrapes and strains, can be treated at urgent care clinics that are staffed by medical doctors. Minor infections, like a cut finger or ear infection can also be treated. Be reasonable, though. If it appears life threatening, go to the emergency room.
Dental Care
Often, dental visits can be more expensive than a trip to a medical doctor. If you need major work, there are credit agencies that will finance the work for you, and your dentist’s office can refer you to them.
A simple cleaning can wait, but not for too long. Limit your intake of sweets—including sugary soft drinks, and don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day.
Vision Care
If you wear glasses or contacts, there’s no escaping the need for an optometrist. If you wear contacts, you’ll have to go every year, no matter what.
If you just can’t afford to go, don’t prolong your contact wear. This can lead to serious infections. Wear your glasses instead. It may not be as convenient as contacts, (or as pretty as your colored contacts), but it’s a safe solution.
Optical shops often have sales around back-to-school time, or coupons in the Sunday paper. Watch for advertised promotions, or call around for price quotes. The optical industry has become very competitive, and some shops even offer financing on glasses.
Prescriptions
If you take prescription medicine for simple, non-life threatening conditions, such as allergies or congestion, talk to your pharmacist. Often, there are over-the-counter preparations he can suggest. Your pharmacist can advise you on the safety and effectiveness of OTC remedies.
Some drug companies are now advertising low-cost or even free medications for those in financial need. Check manufacturer websites, or talk to your pharmacist for more information. These programs can make a huge difference in cost for prescription medications you cannot live without.
Discount Plans
Many companies now offer discount plans for routine medical visits, dental and vision care. Some even offer discounted prescriptions. The receptionist at your doctor’s or dentist’s office can usually recommend one for you, or at least advise you about which ones they accept.
Be sure the medical provider you’re going to visit accepts the discount plan before your visit, though, or you may have to foot the whole bill.
Vaccinations
If you’re out of date on your shots, most cities sponsor low-cost or no-cost vaccination clinics and health fairs. Health fairs will often screen for diabetes and high blood pressure, too. Some cater to low-income groups, and some are aimed at children. Don’t overlook these sensible and cost-effective options.
Children’s Care
Most communities have a public health service that will treat and vaccinate children for common childhood illnesses. They are usually listed in the blue pages of the telephone book.
Often, kids can get dental care through a public health program. Some schools also offer assistance, or can direct you to community organizations that can help. Your school nurse is a great place to start for recommendations.
Social clubs, like the Lion’s Club, often have programs to help kids get glasses or routine medical care. If you belong to a social club, talk to them. Many have referral programs available.
Pregnancy and Female Care
If you’re pregnant, you cannot forgo prenatal care. Most cities have clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, that can provide the care you need for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
These clinics can also provide routine feminine medical care, and screen for diseases. If you can’t find one near you, call your local hospital. Often, they can refer you to low-cost clinics or doctors that specialize in low-income prenatal care.
AARP
Many people don’t realize it, but clubs like AARP often have contracts with care providers to offer special discounts to their members. An AARP card often can save you ten percent on vision services.