Maybe you’re between jobs or haven’t been able to find an affordable health insurance plan yet. While having at least some medical insurance is recommended for everyone, it can be really expensive if your employer doesn’t pay for it. What’s more, navigating the health insurance marketplace may feel totally chaotic and soul-sucking. About 10% (PDF) of Americans didn’t have health insurance in 2020, and most that don’t are uninsured because they can’t afford it or don’t qualify for financial assistance in their state.
But everyone needs to go to the doctor sometimes. So what do you do?
First, you could qualify for Medicaid financial assistance depending on your circumstances and location, and you could also qualify for Medicare. Even if you’ve already checked in the past, it’s worth checking your state’s Medicaid eligibility since it was expanded in most states. You can also fill out this application to see which government assistance programs you’re eligible for. What’s more, there are plans that are alternatives to traditional health insurance.
If those plans aren’t a fit, you’re not out of options. Here are tricks to getting quality care when you’re paying out of pocket.
Read more: Affordable Care Act: How to Sign Up and When You Can
Reminding your care team or doctor that you don’t have health insurance may help them tailor a treatment plan that won’t break your bank.
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Take advantage of preventive care and free screenings
Some cities or pharmacies have pop-up events that run simple blood tests or health screenings. Keep your eye out for these events and take advantage, as they can help you keep tabs on your health and hopefully prevent more doctor’s visits or medical interventions down the line.
In New York, for one example, the state health department says it offers