Healthacker.com » medicaid http://www.healthacker.com Health and wellness for geeks Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:50:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 How To Cope Without Health Insurance http://www.healthacker.com/2009/02/03/how-to-cope-without-health-insurance/ http://www.healthacker.com/2009/02/03/how-to-cope-without-health-insurance/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:02:53 +0000 Johnny http://www.healthacker.com/?p=901 Every day employers are letting people go and that means no money coming into thousands of households as well as scrimping on health care.

If you find yourself without health insurance, here are some good tips to take care of yourself and your family’s health.

  1. If your spouse is on a separate health insurance plan, act quickly in order to get on the plan with them.
  2. Ask about your COBRA rights, with limited exceptions you can continue to pay for your coverage, though in full, for 18 months.
  3. Many non-group plans can actually be affordable, so take some time to research your options.
  4. Look into Medicaid and SCHIP.  Also, many community clinics are now available to cater to your health needs at a lower cost.
  5. When you do have to reach into your own pocket to pay for medical expenses, try negotiating your bill with doctors and hospital staff.  You will be surprised how much you can save this way.
]]> http://www.healthacker.com/2009/02/03/how-to-cope-without-health-insurance/feed/ 0