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Health Insurance

Posted: Feb 18, 2012

Wondered if anyone has any good ideas on health coverage outside of employers. Cannot do enough time/lines to earn with employer and getting older although no major health problems? Anybody else with some problems? Do you just do without coverage and pray nothing happens?

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Health Insurance - Di

[ In Reply To ..]
I haven't had health insurance since 2004 for the same reasons as yourself, I just can't afford it. I don't know what state you live in, but just about all teaching hospitals have clinics where medical care is offered on a sliding scale basis according to your salary. Patients are seen by last year residents and interns who are overseen by the attending physician. I've been doing this for about 8 years now and I have gotten excellent care. I was even provided with a discount pharmacy card from the state which saves me about 40% on prescriptions.

There are also special programs available to the uninsured, especially to women. I am enrolled in a program where I get free mammos and PAPs every year. It just so happens that the program was available to me at the hospital where I go for my medical care. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That program covered me for everything from the biopsy, surgery, treatment and even the transportation to and fro for my treatments. I did not pay one penny out of my pocket. Since my diagnosis, this program now enables me to have a mammo every six months free of charge. I follow up with my oncologist, radiation oncologist and surgeon every 4 months and only pay the sliding scale fee. I could not ask for better medical care.

Depending upon which teaching hospital you choose, you may even find dental clinics which offer care for lower fees. I also took advantage of this and have been very happy with the results.

Personally, I find having no insurance to be a blessing. There are no referrals or authorizations needed. You get what you need because you are paying for it, no matter how low the sliding scale fee. And believe it or not, the wait time is less than a regular doctor's office (at least at the hospital that I use). I have never waited more than 20 minutes to be called.

I even prefer getting my care at a large teaching hospital. The more hands on, the less chance for errors.

Search around. There ARE programs for the uninsured.

Private insurance - Ger

[ In Reply To ..]
I had to go to an insurance broker who searched for an insurance policy for me. I had preexisting conditions and Blue Cross/Blue Shield was the only one I could get a policy for and I have a rider on there that they won't cover my preexisting cond. I've had this for about 5 years. If you find a broker they can look at several companies and see who has the best policy for you. My broker did not charge for his services.

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