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The world of health insurance is tricky, and although many people enjoy the perks of healthcare on a regular basis, other people are not quite as lucky. In 2016, over 27 million nonelderly people reported that they were uninsured, and that number has only increased. The reasons for these staggering numbers are numerous, but they remain a fact — and although people are not covered, it doesn’t mean that they won’t get sick.
So, what do you do if you are currently uninsured and you have a health scare? What can you do to avoid getting sick or hurt in the first place? Here we will cover some options for individuals who want to stay healthy even when they do not have suitable coverage.
The Issues with Health Insurance
While many people opt out of having health insurance because they simply do not want to incur the costs, others have no choice. The reasons that health insurance is not as openly available as many believe it should be are varied and include the fact that many plans can be expensive and also complicated to understand. Not to mention that the number of chronic diseases in America is rising, and there are only so many health professionals around to help.
Health insurance is especially sparse when it comes to vulnerable populations, including poor and homeless individuals and some ethnic minorities who have either little to no income or lack of understanding to acquire insurance. Even if coverage was easy to understand, many people still might not consider learning more because they simply believe that they cannot afford it. However, there are alternatives if you currently have a gap in coverage.
There is always the option to go to the insurance exchanges where deductibles may be high but, based on your income, monthly payments may be manageable. If it is still too expensive, you can attempt to adjust your income to qualify for a subsidy, which you can do by contributing money from your pay to a retirement account. You can also attempt to find insurance on your own by requesting quotes from well-known companies. Also, many organizations have affordable group health insurance plans that you may be able to access if you fit the criteria, such as the National Association for the Self-Employed and the Writers Guild of America.
When You Have a Health Scare but No Insurance
If you currently have a gap in your insurance and you are experiencing health issues, there are other options for proper care. If you are in a bad accident or you are faced with a life-threatening illness, then the emergency room is still your best bet. Even if you do not have insurance, they cannot turn you away if your life is at stake.
For less urgent matters, there are other places you can go, including free clinics or urgent care facilities. At free clinics, which are often run on donations, anyone can go for minor injuries for free or for a minimal cost if they do not have insurance, are limited on funds, or cannot afford their deductibles. You also have the option of an urgent care facility, but you may not be able to go for free, as the typical visit usually costs around $100 or more, especially if there is a prescription involved.
Many retailers will offer free health screenings where you can walk in at no cost and get a snapshot of your current wellbeing. They will take your blood and perform other tests, which may include cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index. You can find a free screening by doing a search online or by checking with local retailers like Walmart and CVS.
Preventive Health
Of course, the best way to ensure that you stay healthy, regardless of if you do have insurance or not, is to make the right changes with how you eat, exercise, and manage your life. Be proactive with your health, and you can avoid the need to see a physician when your insurance is not current. Proper exercise can do wonders for your health and wellbeing, particularly if you are already managing a chronic illness like diabetes. Try to get in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day and sprinkle in weights and resistance training. Exercise will keep you at a manageable weight and help you avoid future diseases.
In addition to exercise, you also must eat right. Everyone is a bit different, so find the diet that is right for you. A healthy diet will likely include eating plenty of protein and vegetables, along with avoiding food with a lot of sugar or trans fats. Also, be aware of what you drink, as many beverages that people enjoy, including sports drinks and soda, contain sugar that can hurt your health and break down tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. If left untreated, cavities can result in nerve damage and even cancer.
Finally, you should try to avoid stress, which is easier said than done. Those who do not properly manage their stress could end up with major health problems including heart disease, obesity, and accelerated aging. Unneeded stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and lead some to turn to unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol. The best thing you can do to maintain your health is to avoid stress by sleeping eight hours a night, managing your time more efficiently, and getting that much-needed exercise.
In a perfect world, we would all have insurance, but the world is not perfect. If you find that you are currently or temporarily uninsured, try these tips and stay healthy.
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