It is universally accepted that when you are sick or hurt, you seek out the care of a doctor. However, in the United States, many individuals are hesitant to receive medical attention because they are either uninsured or underinsured. The U.S. healthcare system can be extremely expensive for those who don’t have insurance. Because of this, many people decide to press their luck instead of getting the necessary medical treatment. However, this is dangerous because not only could the condition get worse, but you may also end up needing to pay more down the road for extensive treatment.
The difficult part is finding affordable healthcare. The professionals at DoctorMeNow want to relieve this stress and ensure clients that they can seek out medical attention without insurance. Here are some places to consider when looking into affordable healthcare options:
Community Health Clinics
Community health clinics are available in most cities and towns. These options are made to be free or low-cost to patients who need preventative care or vaccinations. Since they are community-supported, they don’t come with a hefty price tag like those you would find at private healthcare practices. Most of the time, the price that the individual is expected to pay at community health clinics depends on their income, which is compared to a sliding scale. Your circumstances are also taken into account, such as your housing situation, how many children you have, and your employment status. Some clinics may even offer their services for free. Here is an online directory that can help you find the nearest community clinic in your area.
Walk-in Clinics
From colds to strep throat, walk-in clinics offer quick and reliable service for a lower cost than most primary care physicians. Even if you don’t have insurance, these clinics will take cash payments or help set up a small payment plan to ensure that you can be seen without breaking the bank. However, depending on the clinic, the amount of care they can provide and their costs will vary. Always ask upfront what the average cost is for the treatment you are seeking and if they offer reduced rates. Some of them may be able to help you apply for free or low-cost health insurance, such as Medicaid, to cover the cost.
Direct Care Providers
Direct care providers, such as the team at DoctorMeNow, can still see patients who do not have a health insurance provider. While there is a small fee involved, this fee is little compared to the eventual consequences of not seeking out medical attention for an illness or injury altogether. Feel free to mention upfront that you do have health insurance and our team can work with you on affordable options that will keep you healthy and your finances from going under.
Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers
An emergency room doctor cannot turn you away for not having insurance. However, this is the most expensive option available and should be left for those who have a real emergency, such as heart attack, stroke, gunshot wound, or serious work injury. If you end up going to a hospital emergency room, let the staff know that you are uninsured so that they can help you arrange either a payment plan or apply for emergency Medicaid or another insurance.
Urgent care centers are more for immediate emergencies or time-sensitive medical needs, such as broken bones, sprains, or illnesses such as the flu. These services often take upfront payment for their care but are generally cheaper than a hospital visit.
Is There a Way I Can Save Money When I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
There are some steps you can take to minimize costs when seeking medical care without insurance:
- Mention you are uninsured: this allows for healthcare professionals to find affordable care options and discounts that you may be eligible for.
- If you are able, shop around for care that fits your budget.
- Ask for a payment plan: Some healthcare providers will work with you to let you pay overtime to help reduce upfront costs.
- Double-check your medical bills: Mistakes happen and sometimes you may get charged too much for a service or get charged for a treatment you never received. Always feel free to call and ask about any charges you are unsure about.
- Ask for drug samples or generic versions of the drug: Oftentimes, generic versions of the drug are just as effective as the name-brand versions and come at a cheaper price.
- Check to see if you’re eligible for Medicaid: Medicaid is based on income, household size, and where you live. It also takes into account changes in employment status, if you have any preexisting conditions, etc. Never feel embarrassed about your circumstance or afraid to ask about options that are available to you.
Everything Feels Harder When You Are Sick; We Are Here to Help
Our caring health professionals at DoctorMeNow understand how stressful it is to face large medical decisions when you are sick and don’t have insurance. DoctorMeNow is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare options for all to ensure that you get the care you need. From dermatology to primary care practitioners, our team is full of experts that can help you feel your best! Reimagine the way you think about healthcare and contact our team today.