Jobs are disappearing in record amounts. With job-loss comes insurance loss as well. Many people cannot afford medical insurance, and don’t qualify for help at the state or federal level.

Most people either skip medical treatment to save money, or they wait till it gets so bad that they have no option but to visit the Emergency Room.

Health is certain not something we should take likely, it is a right that every person SHOULD have, but that’s another debate altogether. (Just pray that Universal Health care finally makes it through congress.)

Do not despair there are 5 places that you can turn to when you need help but don’t have insurance.

1. Family Doctor: Many times your family physician may still see you when you lose your insurance, and may help you find a way to afford it.Approaching your Family physician for reduction in rates can take a lot of nerves, Many doctors will be happy to work with you, because they will get their money faster and easier if you pay cash, than they do from the insurance companies.

   Also, they are human and they understand that sometimes life gets hard – don’t be afraid to ask.

2. Convenience Clinics: Many walk-in health centers exist in major retail chains like pharmacies or Walmart. These centers are typically staffed by RNs who can treat and prescribe medication for common ailments. The clinics are also available to do checkups for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholestrol, and other such health conditions.
3. Free Screenings: Many civic organizations, local hospitals, and community groups offer regular clinics for screenings of specific diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Check local newspapers, Craigslist, News sites, TV stations, to take advantage of the free or discounted health services. Early detection is always the easiest way to save your life.
4. Health Care Centers: These are Federal sanctioned health facilities that provide Primary, preventative, and dental services to people of all ages. Discount is based on a sliding pay-scale, your payment will be based on your income. Click here to find a center in your area.
5. Planned Parenthood: This organization often receives funding and donations and can offer discounts and will normally only charge you what you can afford based on income.Planned Parenthood has services both for men and women who need help with reproductive issues. Men can receive advice for issues like getting their Prostate checked, both men and women can be checked for STD’s, and women can receive pap tests, breast exams, and birth control for next to nothing.

   Be sure to call and discuss finances beforehand so that they can give you a ballpark figure.

6. Dentistry from the Heart: This is a website that has partnered with Dentists across America to give free dental care. They do it on special event days – I myself have used this service when I was down and out, living in Utah. I Highly recommend trying them out, you can’t beat free!

   Here are a few upcoming Free Dental Events:

   Your Ad Here
   -->
   • 05/01/09 – Lake County Dental Care – Libertyville, IL
   • 05/02/09 – Stonehaven Dental – Lehi, UT
   • 05/08/09 – Mitchell Dental Clinic – Ackerman, MS
   • 05/15/09 – Seidner Dentistry & Charmoy Dental Associates – Randolph, NJ
   • 05/16/09 – Dr. Colin Yoshida, DDS – Fremont, CA
   • 06/09/09 – Dr. Ghannam, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry – Detroit, MI

The bottom line is that you don’t have to suffer aimlessly, there is help available if you can’t afford traditional means of medical care. If in doubt just ask someone at your states health department.

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• Cutting Your Medical Costs (outofpocket.com)
• Can Broken Health Care System Be Fixed? (abcnews.go.com)
• Health insurance essential for health and well-being (scienceblog.com)
• Street Dentists – A Partial Solution to America’s Health Care Crisis (panasianbiz.com)
• New Year’s Resolution: Make your health care dollars go further this year (outofpocket.com)
• Canada Health Insurance for Newcomers (refinanced.blogspot.com)

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