Strategies for the Uninsured
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-08-04 09:11:13
Readers who responded to the Sound Off had tips to share:
- • For information on health insurance in your state, visit www.healthinsuranceinfo.net, a website maintained by the Georgetown University Institute for Health Care Research and Policy.
- • If you can't afford prescription drugs, you may qualify for help from pharmaceutical manufacturers. For information, call (800) 762-4636.
- • Ask your doctor's office manager and hospital billing staff if they offer reduced rates for people without insurance.
- • Don't put medical bills on a credit card. Many doctors' offices will let you pay your bill in small monthly installments, and that way you can avoid paying interest.
- • Call your county health department and nonprofit agencies like the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association to find out about free health screenings and other services in your community.
- • If you think you qualify for Medicaid, call your local public health or social services agency. Or go online to http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid.
- • If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for Veterans Health Administration benefits. To find out, call (877) 222-8387 toll free.
preview