Jun 29, 2012

Health Insurance and Payments (USA focused only)


Post 1: I haven’t been to a doctor in a while can be found here
Post 2: Checkup can be found here
Post 3: I’m Sick: To go or not to go can be found here
Post 4: Diagnosed but not happy can be found here

Many people need a doctor but cannot afford it. There are some options out there [besides trying to find your answers on this blog. Shocking isn’t it???]
This post contains a few resources (for US residence only) to help. Dr. Carm does not represent any of the following, and unfortunately, they probably would deny Dr. Carm’s existence. Try not to judge them by this foolishness.

Here are a few resources to look into to:

· http://finder.healthcare.gov/
Healthcare.Gov "This tool will help you find the health insurance best suited to your needs, whether it's private insurance for individuals, families, and small businesses, or public programs that may work for you. It was created to help consumers under the health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act."

· http://medicaid.gov
Medicaid Each state operates a Medicaid program that provides health coverage for lower-income people, families and children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The eligibility rules for Medicaid are different for each state, but most states offer coverage for adults with children at some income level. In addition, beginning in 2014, most adults under age 65 with individual incomes up to about $15,000 per year will qualify for Medicaid in every state.

· http://InsureKidsNow.gov
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) "CHIP covers children whose families don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford to buy health insurance. CHIP provides low-cost health insurance coverage for children in families who earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid coverage but can’t afford to purchase private health insurance. CHIP is a state and federal partnership program that works closely with Medicaid. Every state operates a CHIP, although most states have unique names for their programs like Child Health Plus (New York), Healthy Families (California), and Hoosier Healthwise (Indiana). In several states, CHIP and Medicaid are combined into one program.”

· Community Health Centers “A network of community health centers across the country provides preventive and primary care to millions of Americans. They provide care for free or on a sliding scale based on your income”

· Self-Employed "If you are self-employed with no employees, you now have several options for insurance coverage. In 2014, those options will expand under the Affordable Care Act….”
o If your state allows self-employed people to buy small employer health insurance, then you have similar options as small employers. Find out if you qualify by visiting your State Department of Insurance. Or find additional consumer assistance in your state.

o If your state doesn’t allow self-employed people to buy small employer health insurance, then you have the same options as someone buying an individual health insurance plan.

· Contact DHHS directly:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-619-0257
Toll-free: 1-877-696-6775

· Health Resources and Services Administration [mchb.hrsa.gov]
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the DHHS website, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), whose goal is to ensure equal access to quality health care in a supportive, culturally competent family and community setting.

· Contact MCHB Directly:
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)
Parklawn Building
Room 18-05
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 301-443-2170
Fax: 301-443-1797
E-mail: ctibbs@hrsa.gov

· Family Voices offers resources and communication opportunities on the Internet for people with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those who provide services and support. This resource has a special interest in the care of children. Resources state by state.
Family Voices[familyvoices.org]
2340 Alamo SE, Suite 102
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Toll-free: 888-835-5669
Phone: 505-872-4774
Fax: 505-872-4780
Online E-mail Contact Form: http://www.familyvoices.org/contact

· Health Care Choices provides information to the public on selecting and using various types of health insurance and managed care plans.
Health Care Choices
P.O. Box 21039
Columbus Circle Station
New York, NY 10023
Toll-free: 800-368-5779


Related Postings:
Preparing for Your Appointment 
Checkups 
I'm Sick (when to go to the doctor's) 
Diagnosed But Not Happy 
Best Medical Schools 
 

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