There are people that reside in the great state of Texas that still cannot get or find health insurance. It is very important to have health insurance in Texas for various reasons. However, there's no need to despair. There are alternative resources that you can use to get some kind of help with your health care.
Here's what you can do to get health care if you can't get Texas health insurance
One place you can go if you don't have health insurance in Texas is a clinic that services a surrounding community. Many times they take in people that need health care, but may not have health insurance here in the state. You will be able to get quality care, but at a reduced cost. You would get some of the same benefits and medical services as you would if you did have health insurance. You would be charged on a sliding scale, based on your ability to pay. You can check online for more information about these kind of clinics.
If you don't have health insurance in Texas and you are admitted in the hospital as an inpatient, there are avenues available where you can get assistance with your hospital bills. Keep in mind that you will have hospital bills, even with no health insurance. Depending on what kind of hospital you go to, there are some that are non-profit that can assist in clearing some of the debt. Hospitals that are non-profit based can do that because of what they stand for and because of their tax bracket.
There are other hospitals that have programs that provide financial assistance. In addition to that, the federal government has mandates that can help you get rid of your hospital debt. Even though you will receive a bill for services rendered, you will still need to attempt to make a payment towards it. The hospitals have a financial aid department with counselors and advocates that can assist you. They will be more than happy to adjust your bill or implement a payment plan for you. By not having health insurance in Texas, it is crucial that you try to implement some type of plan to pay off the hospital debt.
Another thing that can add to the cost of health care is the cost of prescription drugs. In the state of Texas, there are programs that will assist you with your prescriptions and other related expenses. Check for websites that can assist you in finding venues that can help you with the costs of your prescription drugs. This is a good idea, especially if you have a lot of drugs to take for your medical condition.
Not having health insurance in Texas is not a total loss. You may be able to get prescription drugs for free or at a discount rate. There are programs that are sponsored by some of the major drug companies in order to get what you need. Pfizer and Merck are two of the companies that will help people without health insurance get what they need.
If you are a veteran and don't have health insurance in Texas, you may be able to get medical care by going to one of the VA's medical facilities. The requirements for this are if you served on active duty and received either a general or honorable discharge. You will have to contact the VA facility in your area to get additional information.
Fine For Not Having Health Insurance
Canada has a universal public health insurance program (Medicare) that usually covers the cost of most injuries and illnesses for citizens, meaning that individuals requiring dental or medical attention can visit doctors and hospitals with no bills to pay. However, some areas of health care aren't covered by the governmental plan and travellers from other countries or new residents may not have access to the free health care, making short-term insurance a must. Suffering a medical emergency in a foreign country, even one as close as Canada, can empty your wallet very quickly.
Most short-term health insurance providers offer insurance for periods from as little as a few days to up to a year. Considering that many travellers to Canada can visit for only six months per year, health insurance coverage for longer periods may be unnecessary. However, individuals planning to enter and leave the country frequently over the course of a year should look into coverage that is as long as possible.
If you have health insurance in your own country, you can check with the insurance provider to see if your current coverage will also cover any accident or illness while travelling abroad, as you may not need a separate short-term insurance while on vacation or business. United States insurance companies can provide extra insurance for travellers to Canada based on the time spent out-of-country and the limits of coverage required. While health care costs in Canada are relatively lower than costs in the United States, you can estimate that a hospital stay in Canada might average $3,000 a day and having insurance coverage limits of approximately $50,000 is a good idea.
Compare costs between insurance companies and find out ahead of time what medical needs are covered and what aren't. Never assume that the worst won't happen, as it's always better to be safe than sorry. Also, do work with an insurance company that is professional and that carries a strong reputation. While unknown companies may have cheaper rates, choosing an insurance provider with a name most people recognize is the best decision. Be careful of deductibles, as they'll affect the overall cost of the insurance coverage. Higher deductibles lower rates and while paying out of pocket may seem feasible at the time you agree to take short-term insurance coverage, you may find yourself in serious medical straits without the available cash or funds required for treatment.
A consideration about requiring short-term health insurance for Canada is whether the individual has a pre-existing condition, as most short-term insurance plans will not cover costs relating to existing situations. Short-term health insurance is for emergencies only and for medical attention that is sudden or unplanned. Evacuation is something to look into, should you need to return to your home country or place of residence quickly. Many insurance providers don't offer the option of covering costs of evacuation, and the procedure could be expensive. Also, include dental insurance in your coverage if possible, as many people overlook this aspect but find themselves requiring emergency oral care.
Always carry identification on you, as well as information or a policy card that lets emergency attendants know that you have insurance coverage. Your identification should include the provider and policy name, effective dates, and as much pertinent coverage information as possible.
Both Jordan Feross & Mark Mitchell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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