Getting Healthcare in this Economy

By: Dr. Eddye Bullock, M.D.

Each day it seems that thousands are losing their once “secure” jobs. This may have happened to you or you feel that your job is in jeopardy. For many, a job loss means losing their health insurance as well. Losing a job doesn’t eliminate the need to have medical conditions treated. Lack of health insurance can be an obstacle in getting health care. Yet, it should not prevent you from seeing a health care professional. There are many options available for you and your family and it doesn’t mean you have to get routine care in the ER.

If you know that your insurance will be terminating soon, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician especially if you have not had one in a year. During this visit, you should try to get all preventive exams, i.e. pap test, prostate exam, mammogram, vaccinations, cholesterol screening, etc. If you are on medications, get refills on your prescriptions. This way you will have your medications until you can get insurance or find an alternative. You may want to avoid getting unnecessary testing done in which the results may not be back prior to your insurance ending or the results require additional testing.

Most labs, special tests,  or seeing a specialist can be very cost prohibitive if you have to pay out of pocket. Speak with your primary care provider and see what tests are essential and what can wait. The other potential pitfall of getting tests done prior to your insurance ending is that when you try to get a new insurance policy, you may be dinged for a pre-existing condition.

Another option for obtaining health care is as simple as a conversation away. Most primary care physicians are willing to negotiate with patients the cost of office visits. You may be embarrassed or intimidated to ask your primary care provider to cut you a deal, but it may be well worth it. If you feel you cannot speak with your doctor, ask to speak with the office manager. For the physician’s office, it may be an advantage to take cash and eliminate the headache and overheard in billing the insurance company. Plus, it is easier to retain a patient than go out and find a new patient to take your place. In addition, if you have an outstanding bill with the doctor or hospital, you can try to negotiate that bill also.

The third option is to get coverage through COBRA. COBRA allows an employee to keep his or her insurance for 18 months after termination. The catch is that the employee is responsible for the entire premium. Your employer will no longer be paying part of your health insurance. This can be very expensive especially if you are only getting by on unemployment. The advantage of COBRA is that when you get a different insurance, you are not subject to the pre-existing condition clause. Thus, your medical conditions should be covered completely with your new insurance.

Another option is looking for clinics that are community health centers. Community health centers are located throughout the country and funded by the federal government. The goal is to provide health care to the uninsured. These clinics have sliding fees and costs are based on your income.  Some have dental clinics, pharmacies, and psychiatric care available. You can look in your phone book or go to http://www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. If you live in an urban area, many hospitals have similar set ups. They have clinics where doctors, who are finishing their training, staff the clinics. These are usually less expensive than seeing a doctor in private practice. You may also be able to see specialists in these type of clinics. Call your local hospital and see what is available.

The last option is directed towards getting health care for your children. The government helps fund an insurance program for children (SCHIP). This program is geared toward parents who make too much money for Medicaid, but not enough money to afford personal insurance. In fact, President Obama just signed a bill increasing funding for SCHIP. The program is run by the states. You can contact your state government to get more information about applying.

Losing a job is not easy, but it is becoming an all too common occurrence. There are lots of things you will need to be concerned about, but getting health care for yourseld and your loved ones should not be one of them. Seeking routine care in the ER should not be your first line of defense. Remember, you do have options.