For the 15 percent or almost 47 million Americans who are not currently insured, there are a myriad of resources that can be tapped. These resources may also be available to you if you have insurance, but you will likely have certain limits or exclusions. And, some of these resources, like participation in clinical trials, are available to anyone who meets the clinical criteria, regardless of ability to pay.
1. Your State Medical Assistance Program
Most state medical assistance programs will provide some level of healthcare funding assistance even if you do not qualify for Medicaid under the economic criteria. Several states have supplemental programs for patients who do not qualify economically. For a list of all state medical assistance websites see the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) Website at: http://www.nahu.org/consumer/healthcare/topic.cfm?catID=21. The NAHU website is an excellent source for information on health insurance choices and information.
2. Federal Free Clinics
The Health Resources Service Administration (HSRA), a division of the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Human Services runs a series of free clinics nationwide. Their website provides the address and contact information for clinics that offer Primary Medical, Obstetrical and Gynecological, Dental, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care, Other Types of Medical, and Support Services. The website is: http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/.
3. Free Clinic Foundation of America
The Free Clinic Foundation of America Website contains a listing of many clinics throughout the country. You can search by state. Most of the free clinics have a religious affiliation. They are not federal government clinics. The clinics listed on this website are in addition to the federal government’s free clinics. The website also contains information on how to start your own free clinic. The Website is: http://www.freeclinicfoundation.com/.
4. Hill-Burton Act Healthcare Organizations
In 1946, Congress passed a law that gave hospitals and other health facilities grants for construction. In return, they agreed to give a reasonable volume of services to persons unable to pay and to make their services available to all persons residing in the area. About 300 healthcare facilities nationwide are still obligated to provide free or reduced-cost care.
5. Clinical Trials
If you need treatment, you may be able to take part in a research study called a clinical trial. Clinical trials are used to find out whether new drugs or treatments are safe and effective. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a website with information about many of the clinical trials that are in progress. Visit the site (http://clinicaltrials.gov) to learn if a clinical trial is underway for your condition and whether you might be able to take part in it.
6. The Free Medicine Program
The Free Medicine Program is helping patients in obtaining prescription drugs and medications absolutely free of charge. The program was established by volunteers and has helped countless families across the nation substantially reduce or completely eliminate their prescription drug bills. The majority of its applicants have too much income to qualify for government prescription assistance programs, but not enough to purchase private prescription drug insurance coverage For more information, visit http://www.freemedicineprogram.org/.
7. RxAssist
Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that healthcare professionals and patients can find the information they need. The following two websites contain information about how to apply for assistance with prescription costs: http://www.rxassist.org/ and http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/drug_assistance.html
8. Federal Healthcare Tax Credit Program
The Federal Healthcare Tax Credit Program (HCTC) provides a refundable tax credit to help eligible individuals purchase health insurance from a number of different sources. Those who have suffered a job loss due to a trade-related event and those who receive pension benefits from the federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation are eligible. For more information, go to the following website: www.nahu.org/consumer/healthcare/topic.cfm?catID=95
9. Academic Medical Center (AMC)-Associated Clinics and Free Care
U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals are a critical component of the national safety net for America's millions of uninsured and underinsured, providing countless community-based programs designed to help working families. From wellness programs, to preventative and primary care medicine, to health education initiatives and emergency care, these services are essential lifelines for the uninsured to America's healthcare system. The following website contains a listing by region of AMC available services: http://www.aamc.org/uninsured/start.htm
10. Local Hospital
All hospitals are under some level of obligation to provide services to their communities as well as charitable care to their patient population. The amount and degree of services and care varies based upon the status of the hospital. Hospitals that have a non-profit status are under a greater obligation than hospitals that are for profit. You can determine your local hospital’s profit/non-profit status by looking it up on the American Hospital Directory website at www.ahd.com. Contact the public relations department and/or the hospital’s financial department to inquire about any special programs they have for patients with economic needs.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
