How to Get Affordable Health Care When Denied
According to a study conducted in 2001 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, up to 35 percent of people with pre-existing conditions can expect to be rejected for health insurance coverage. Only 12 percent managed to find acceptance with no special conditions, with the rest requiring increased premiums and reduced benefits. Luckily, there are alternatives to paying for medical care for those denied by the insurance system.
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Instructions
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Charity Care, Government Benefits and Paying in Cash
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Find out your eligibility for government benefits under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The requirements differ depending on your state. You may use the Medicare Eligibility Tool provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services online at medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp?version=default&browser=Chrome|4|Windows+Vista&language=English to determine your eligibility. In addition, families and individuals that have an income below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level are eligible for subsidized charity care at hospitals. Many simple procedures such as physical inspections and dental cleanings can also be affordable if paid in cash.
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Contact the financial aid department of the hospital where you have received care within six months of receiving treatment. Hospitals, particularly those run by private non-profits, often offer additional financial aid programs for patients who can't afford effective treatment. In most cases, you will need to exhaust all available charity care and government benefits before qualifying for additional financial aid.
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Visit free or low-cost clinics for simple medical procedures and tests. These clinics offer free or subsidized care to patients with low income. Many medical and dental schools also offer special low-cost programs for simple procedures to allow students to practice procedures on patients. Contact medical schools in your area for more information.
Alternative Insurance
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Consider creating your own group to apply for health insurance. Group insurance is easier to qualify for, even if you have a pre-existing condition. Some states also have what are called "high-risk insurance pools" for individuals with pre-existing conditions. The Kaiser Family Foundation publishes a clear list of such health insurance laws by state that you can find in the resources below. You may need to start your own company to create your own insurance group.
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Re-apply for insurance if you are denied at a different company. If you keep applying, you may be approved, although the costs could be considerable due to your pre-existing condition. Some insurance companies offer higher risk plans that are easier to gain approval for, but they can be expensive.
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Apply for group insurance coverage for individuals in your profession. Many professional groups such as those representing freelance film workers, writers, actors and real estate brokers offer insurance plans that are relatively easy to qualify for.
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