Uninsured: How To Get The Medical Care You Need

To obtain treatment for cancer without health insurance, consider the following. As you review the available resources, please keep in mind:

• The general resources mentioned in How To Obtain Regular Medical Care Without Health Insurance. 
• "Medical Tourism" - going to another state or even outside the United States to an area with high quality medical care with low costs.
• How To Raise Money When You Need It

Hospitals

• Hospitals with federal funding must provide a limited amount of free or low cost health care becuase of the Hill-Burton Act. For information about the act and how to obtain treatment under the Act, click here
• Many hospitals have their ownor private funds to pay for treament for people who do not have insurance.  Call the finance department of local hospitals. 
• Speak with a knowledgeable social worker who may know about available programs..

Non-profit Organizations  

• A number of organizations provide financial support for the costs of direct medical care and related expenses. For example, some organizations offer money to families who cannot pay their bills. Some organizations provide free transportation to and from treatment. Others offer "lending libraries" of wigs, hospital beds, wheelchairs and related products.
• The type and amount of financial assistance available varies from community to community. Many of these services are not advertised, but are available for the asking. Your oncologist or social worker can help provide local information.
• Search on the internet for your health condition plus the name of your locat area and state.

Federally-funded health centers (also known as HRSA Health Centers)  

• There are hundreds of Federally funded health centers around the country that provide medical care regardless of your ability to pay. They are often run by the government's Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Such centers are often referred to as HRSA Health Centers.
• If you have no health insurance, you pay what you can afford, based on your income.
• To locate a Federally Funded Health Center, go to: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Clinical Trials

• You may get free care if your health condition is being studied somewhere by joining a clinical trial that studies new drugs and treatments or new uses of existing drugs and treatments. 
• The doctors in charge of clinical trials are usually top in their field. 
• Generally basic treatment is free. There may still be extra costs you have to incur.  

NOTE:

• Keep in mind that the cost of health care is negotiable. See:
  • How to Negotiate A Doctor's Bill
  • How To Negotiate A Hospital Bill
  • Profiessionals Who Negotiate Medical Debt
  • How To Negotiate For A Lower Health Care Bill
• If you have an emergency, all hospitals which receive funding from the federal government have to treat emergencies without regard to ability to pay. For more information about emergency rooms.
• For information about obtaining cancer screening without health insurance, click here.

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