Surviving with No Health Insurance

by Travis Etheridge

Let’s be honest, health insurance is nerve wrecking! We should all have it and in recent years, the back and forth on the issue has gotten a lot of exposure. With unemployment reaching high percentages all over the U.S, companies canceling their coverage, and expensive independent plans; millions have dropped their coverage just to survive. Health insurance has gotten so expensive that many can no longer afford to protect themselves and/or their families.

For those in this unfortunate and terrifying state of living with no health insurance and/or considering dropping your health coverage; here are a few tips that may help you obtain and/or sustain your health and/or health insurance:

Purchasing supplemental health insurance that will cover things that medical insurance won’t cover. Supplemental health insurance policies cover things like:

Accidents– injury from car accident, slip and falls, sport injury, etc.
Short term disability– injury that causes removal from work, school, other events
Dependent day care– nurse care
Transportation– assistance getting around due to injury

Taking care of yourself with proper diet, exercise, stress management, etc. This may reduce your need for medical treatment. Being proactive is always best! More fruit, vegetable, and yoga!

Seeking treatment at mini clinics like those found in Walgreens and CVS. The treatment costs in mini clinics are much less than visiting a hospital. Of course, I am referring to a non-emergency situation. If you are able to skip the ER, you can save going this route.

Treating by way of non-prescription medication. Ask your doctor if there is a non-prescription version of the medication being prescribed. Maybe he/she can recommend something just as effective that you can purchase over the counter for less of the cost.

Government programs such as Medicaid. Although qualification is based on income, it will not hurt to see if you can get coverage for you and your children.

Going with the least expensive plan. Although it won’t cover everything, it will cover the big things that matter most.

I’ll say it again, it’s nerve wrecking; however, any type pf coverage is better than no coverage. Let us help you locate all your options for you and your family.