Top 3 Health Care Options for the Uninsured

As the cost of health care continues to skyrocket, the number of Americans who have no health insurance coverage continues to rise at an alarming rate. So, what do you do if you are unemployed, between jobs, or just cannot afford to pay for individual or family health insurance? This article will review the three most common options are available to you.

Medicaid
Medicaid covers health care expenses for low-income families, children, seniors and the disabled. Most of the benefits are free, and typically cover doctor and hospital services, lab and x-ray charges, family planning, hearing aids, eyeglasses, chiropractic, maternity and prescriptions, among other medical services. Some Medicaid programs will even cover Medicare Part B premiums

To qualify to receive Medicaid, you must be a US citizen and meet particular income requirements. Note that just being employed does not automatically disqualify you from Medicaid; if your salary/income is not sufficient to pay for affordable health insurance, you and your family may still qualify.

Medicare
This is the largest health insurance program in the Country. It provides coverage for seniors age 65 and over, disabled persons under 65 and persons with permanent kidney failure.

Medicare is made up of two parts:
*Part A, Hospital Insurance
*Part B, Medical Insurance

Part A offers full coverage for people over 65, for hospital care, nursing facilities, hospice and home health services. You do not have to pay any premium, because it is funded through Medicare taxes, which you paid in earlier years. However, a deductible applies for each coverage period.

Part B offers supplementary coverage, and covers doctor services, therapists and medically-necessary outpatient care. You will usually pay a monthly premium as well as an annual deductible. A 20% co-pay also applies.

To qualify for Medicare, you must be a US citizen over the age of 65 and eligible for Social Security benefits. If you are not yet 65, you may still qualify if you have received Social Security disability at least two years or if you suffer from end-stage renal failure.