How to Find Health Insurance for the Uninsurable

Until the government ushers in a new health care system, Americans must put together a reasonable amount of insurance coverage for themselves through a patchwork of private and government-funded programs. If you have a serious medical condition, you may have already faced rejection from multiple insurance providers. Although there isn't a single safety net for the uninsurable, there are some options to consider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Contact your state insurance commissioner to learn about state sponsored high risk insurance pools. If several insurance companies have turned you down, you may qualify for one of these tax-funded pools.
2. Explore your State Children's Health Insurance Program for uninsured children under the age of 18. This federally funded partnership provides free or low cost coverage for low income families.
3. Call the Patient Advocate Foundation. This organization offers information on medical debt crises and provides health insurance referrals. They also offer financial assistance to relieve high co-payments.
4. Find out if your state mandates an open enrollment period for health insurance regardless of medical history. States that don't offer tax-funded high risk insurance pools may establish this legislation as an alternative to uninsurable people.
5. Ask a health insurance agent or broker in your city to provide you with referrals for high risk individuals. You can find an agent who offers these services through the National Association of Health Underwriters.
6. Join Communicating for America. This nonprofit organization assigns its members a personal health advocate and produces a state-by-state analysis of health insurance for high risk individuals.
7. Learn if your health insurance company offers exclusionary riders. This means the insurance company can offer you comprehensive health insurance for everything except a pre-existing specified medical condition.