Issue

Where/ How to access information about community resources that can help provide insurance coverage or financial assistance.

Background

There are various programs out there that can provide medical assistance or health coverage for you. By learning more about what is out there you can decide what program is best for you and your needs.

Information

Governmental Medical Insurance Programs

• Champus/ Tricare: These programs are available for military personnel and their dependents and some federal government employees only. Tricare is the managed health care part of Champus.

• Social Security Disability: You must have worked a specified period of time (roughly 10 years) to be eligible for this program. Monetary support is based on income over a certain number of years. You apply through you local Social Security Administration office (the number is under "United States Government, Department of Health and Human Services® in the telephone directory.) There are restrictions for this program as a person must be disabled, cannot work for 12 consecutive months, and have medical documentation of the disability.

• Supplemental Security Income: This is for someone who does not meet the employment guidelines for Social Security Disability. There are restrictions on the amount of assets one may have in order to meet eligibility requirements. Check with your local Social Security Administration Office (the number is under "United States Government, Department of Health and Human Services® in the telephone directory.) There are restrictions for this program as well; a person must be disabled, cannot work for 12 consecutive months, and have medical documentation of the disability.

• Many states have a high risk insurance program for people who cannot get conventional coverage because of a previous illness. Contact your state's insurance commissioner's office or an indepentdent insurance agent for more specific information. Frequently there is a waiting period; there can be a large deductible, up to several thousand dollars; and even then the policy may only cover a certain percentage of the medical charges after the deductible is met.

• Medicare: A federal health program that covers most people age 65 and older and those who are permanently disabled. Medicare covers many health costs, but also requires substantial out-of-pocket payments. Many people end up purchasing additional insurance to pay for charges not covered by Medicare. For more information contact Medicare at (1-800-492-4795)

• Independent, self-employed persons and/ or a number of employees can sometimes band together and find and insurance plan where they and their dependents are insured under a single policy. (For example: Farmers may, as a group, locate an insurer to cover them under one policy.)

• HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations): These provide a range of health services for a flat fee per month, with the employer picking up a specified amount of the cost of the plan. The plan member must agree to use only the physicians and hospitals/ clinics employed, owned or contracted by the plan.

• Group Insurance through a Professional, Fraternal, Membership, or Political Organization to which you belong: Insurance through these organizations might be available. Check with your local chapter representative. (For example: A plumber might be able to sign up for insurance through his/ her union. Some fraternal organizations in your state such as: your sorority or fraternity, the Kiwanis, the Eagles, NOW (National Organization for Women), etc. may have health insurance policies, or might refer you to a related organization for information.

• Conventional insurance can be difficult to find if you have had cancer. Your insurance agent or broker may be helpful in finding appropriate health policies, but it may be extremely costly.