There are government programs available to provide assistance to people who are uninsured or underinsured. These plans help people obtain professional healthcare and services they would not receive otherwise.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) operate to provide care to anyone regardless of health insurance status. The payment for the service is on a sliding scale based on the patients income.
Services provided at Federally Qualified Health Centers are:
- Checkups for adults and children
- Treatment for colds and illness
- Maternity care
- Immunizations for children
- Dental care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental Health and Substance abuse care
Some people with low income will qualify for free services. The centers can also provide assistance in applying for more comprehensive health care programs
Search for and contact a Federally Qualified Health Center to learn more about qualifying for free or discounted services.
COBRA Insurance
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) extends health insurance benefits for employees after their job has ended. The employee (now former employee) pays the costs of the insurance, including the costs the employer was paying. This can be more expensive than purchasing individual health insurance coverage however, maintaining the coverage under COBRA will reduce any waiting periods for preexisting conditions to be covered.
Eligibility for COBRA applies if:
- the job ended for any reason except “gross misconduct.”
- the employer reduced hours below what is needed to qualify for full benefits.
When COBRA eligibility begins the employer should send a letter stating describing COBRA and when to sign up. There is a 60 day grace period to decide whether or not to sign up. The employer will be available to ask any questions or the U.S. Department of Labor has more information.
Children's Health Insurance
Uninsured children can be eligible to receive insurance through the Children's Health Insurance Program. Each state has their own agency to administer the program. These programs may be called different names in different states.
This program pays for several different medical expenses for children at little or no cost. The eligibility is based on income and different for each state. The income limit is greater than the limits for state Medicaid so a family may earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still qualify for Children Health Insurance Program. The local office can provide specific information about the state eligibility requirements and coverage options. Contact the local office for more information.
Other Health Assistance programs are Medicaid and Medicare these are health insurance coverages maintained by the government. Find out more about these programs by reading: Medicaid and Medicare Healthcare Assistance Programs.
Jennifer Terry - Jennifer Terry has worked to promote self-determination and consumer education for 10 years. She has been writing since 2004 and has been ...
