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Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?
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Medicare & Insurance
Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?
Share Medicare dos and don’ts, including eligibility and supplemental insurance.
There is so much talk about the Obama Health Insurance plan, but, there isn't much talk about how many people currently have no health insurance, and how to deal with that problem. I had health insura
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Cat:91a4afbf-9555-4e02-b9d3-9eef604476f6Forum:c79f53c3-fa71-4e76-b517-aef042efd7ff
Cat:91a4afbf-9555-4e02-b9d3-9eef604476f6Forum:c79f53c3-fa71-4e76-b517-aef042efd7ffDiscussion:b2a29e87-ac20-477f-ade6-39ee15dd9988

Forums » Health » Medicare & Insurance » Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

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Forums  »  Health  »  Medicare & Insurance  »  Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

posted at July 17, 2012 11:17 AM EDT
Posts: 153
First: February 12, 2012
Last: April 26, 2013
There is so much talk about the Obama Health Insurance plan, but, there isn't much talk about how many people currently have no health insurance, and how to deal with that problem. I had health insurance, until I lost the job , and when I called to make a doctor's appointment, they asked if I had insurance,  I said no ,so  they put me on hold, until I gave up. I was willing to pay for the appontment, they didn't even give me a chance.
And, if you have an emergency, you can go to the hospital, but, they , too will first ask if you have insurance, and I wonder if they really are interested in taking care of you , if you are not already in dire condition.
How do you deal with this probem? We all know there are those who give fictitious names , and don't have to pay at all.
We all know quality of care is affected by how we can pay. Yes, in 2014, they plan to get health insurance  for all, but, wehat if you need a doctor's care before then? You are not eligible for medicare until you are 65, what do you do now??

Re: Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

posted at July 18, 2012 12:06 PM EDT
Posts: 1923
First: November 27, 2011
Last: May 18, 2013
You should have had access to COBRA after losing your job - it was even supplimented by your employer for awhile back in, I think 2009 or 2010.  From COBRA, you would have had access to other coverage.

You can buy an individual health insurance policy now if you are in pretty good health.  Contact an Independent Health Insurance Agent who has access to knowledge about many different plans so that they can help you find the best one you can afford.

If you have a pre-existing condition that might not get you ample coverage, each state has a PCIP (Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program) that has been set up for coverage for you.  Contact you state Insurance Commissioner office and they can direct you to this program.

There are other ways to get health care and access to certain coverage but these are based on rules, regulations and availability so without knowing more about you,your age, your health, your income, your assets, your state of residence, it would be frugal to tcover all of them.

Were you trying to see a PCP - personal care physician - (family doctor, internest, general practicioner) or a specialist? 
A PCP would be the way to go if you don't have insurance and want to pay out of pocket.

A clinic might be a vailable to you in your area too.

Re: Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

posted at January 7, 2013 4:34 AM EST
Posts: 1
First: January 7, 2013
Last: January 7, 2013
Due to rising costs of hospitalization and other health care needs it is important to own a health insurance plan. If you still do not have one then go ahead gather quotes and decide to purchase a suitable plan as soon as possible.


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Re: Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

posted at January 23, 2013 9:30 PM EST
Posts: 148
First: October 13, 2009
Last: January 23, 2013
If one lives in Kansas, one is most likely going to die, with no health insurance.  We have no affordable health care insurance in this state, with or without Obama Care. The above post by GailL1, is pretty much meaningless in this state.

Re: Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?

posted at February 9, 2013 5:00 AM EST
Posts: 6
First: January 20, 2013
Last: February 9, 2013
Louisie, that's a tough situation to be in and you're in the company of a lot of people.

Gail's post pretty much says it all. The problem with COBRA is that you have to pay the full premium since your former employer will no longer be paying their portion  and that's not easy to do once you've lost your job. Also. you can only take it with you for 18 months. At least now, it could get you to Jan. 1st, 2014.

Check out healthcare.gov. I'm new here and don't know if links are allowed, but you should be able to find it and if you don't, send me a message and I'll give you the link.

Unfortunately, the PCIP plan costs vary according to the state you live in, which is surprising. The site will give you a few options and again, depending what state you live in, one of your options might be to get into the state high risk pool. If you can find a private insurer, it'd be much better, but often we have medical problems and are considered to be uninsurable. The problem with the state high risk pools is that they are very expensive. My cost would be nearly 1500 per mo. for the premium and the out of the pocket expenses are high also. In some states, it's a fraction of that.

There are a few states, in the Northeast mainly, that offer insurance for people with pre-existing conditions. You can find a lot of ins. information by searching for Kaiser and they may give you options. Feel free to send me a message and I'll try to help you. I don't sell insurance or have anything to do with it, but have kept up on a lot of the news about it. Good luck to you!

Forums » Health » Medicare & Insurance » Do You Have NO Health Insurance? What do you do without it?