I lost my job in Feb. and I still can’t find a job. Then my huband got laid off in May. We are both colltng unemplyment & we can’t afford hlth ins,

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I lost my job in Feb. and I still can’t find a job. Then my huband got laid off in May. We are both colltng unemplyment & we can’t afford hlth ins,

Could you please tell us what we can do in case one of us get sick? I also have another achild who is 17th years old.

Asked on June 8, 2009 under Insurance Law, California

Answers:

E.H., Member, Calfiornia Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

Medical services can be very expensive if you are not covered with health insurance.  According to California's Deapartment of Managed Health Care, if you do not have health insurance, you should find out about low-cost or no-cost health insurance options, or others resources.

Their website lists many options and resources you can turn to.

http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov/dmhc_consumer/hp/hp_uninsured.aspx

As per the website, it is also important to know your costs. 

If you need medical care and you have to pay for it yourself, try to find out how much you will have to pay. Sometimes it is hard to find out costs. And there may be more than one charge, such as one charge from the doctor and another from the hospital or clinic.

  • Ask your doctor, hospital, or other provider what the service will cost.
  • Ask if there is a discount for people who pay with cash or credit card. Ask if you can make payments.
  • Every hospital must provide a list of its 25 most common procedures. These include inpatient services, like hip surgery, as well as outpatient services, like cataract surgery or colonoscopy. You can read these lists on the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development website.
  • The law says that a hospital must give you a written estimate of hospital charges if you do not have insurance. The hospital must also give you information on financial aid programs and charity care.

J.M.A., Member in Good Standing of the Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

I am a lawyer in CT, but assist clients in this area. The state and federal government have funded health insurance for people without income or those that are on ste assistance.  Due to the unfortunate economic situation that you are in, I suggest that you look into State and Federally funded health insurance - i.e. medicade.  This will allow you to obtain coverage so that oyu are not without health insurance god forbid something should happen.  You can start by calling a local hospital and asking for the names of the federal or state health insurance programs for you to apply for.


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