Some uninsured or underinsured women make too much money to qualify for government assistance but cannot afford to pay for health insurance or costly medical services. This is a difficult situation for women and their families. There are other options for women in this situation. The following are a few options to consider:
• Free clinics. In 1992, The Free Clinic Foundation of America was founded and published a National Directory of Free Clinics. These clinics provide services for the working poor and uninsured. For a list of clinics in your area call (540) 344-8242.
• Prescription drug assistance. Some states provide prescription drug assistance to women who are not covered by Medicaid. Also, many drug companies will work with your doctor or health care provider to supply free medicines to those in need. For prescription drug resources, go to
http://www.disabilityresources.org/RX.html.
• Women with cancer. Women who are coping with cancer can find help through a variety of government-sponsored and volunteer organizations. For example, Cancer Care provides free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their families. Low-income and underserved women with breast and cervical cancers can obtain assistance from AVONcares Program for Medically Underserved Women. For more information and a list of more resources, contact the National Cancer Institute at
http://www.nci.nih.gov/.
• Women with HIV. The federal Ryan White CARE Act funds services for those with HIV/AIDS who are without insurance or financial resources to pay for care. For information about the Ryan White Care Act, call 1-888-275-4772 or go to
http://hab.hrsa.gov. Contact your local or state health department to locate a CARE provider in your area.
• Low-Cost Health Insurance Options. Some labor unions, professional clubs, associations, and organizations offer group health insurance to its members. These plans are usually less costly and may be an option to consider.
• State Temporary Insurance. Some who have been denied health insurance because of a medical condition may be able to obtain coverage through State “High Risk Pools.” Over 30 states provide this temporary insurance assistance. For more information, contact
http://www.healthinsurance.org/riskpoolinfo.html.
How do you protect your health insurance benefits?
If you are losing your health insurance due to job loss or reduced hours, there are some important steps you should take. Women and their dependent children who lose their health insurance through divorce or death are also entitled to the following protection.
• Obtain proof of previous health insurance coverage from your employer. This guarantees certain protections and rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA. Basically, HIPAA protects employed individuals and their families who are insured by continuing access to health insurance when leaving or changing jobs. For more information about HIPAA and how it affects you and your family, go to
http://www.cms.gov/hipaa/hipaa1/content/more.asp.
• You may be eligible for continuation of your health insurance coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, or COBRA. Generally, employers with 20 or more employees qualify for COBRA and must allow you the opportunity to continue your health insurance benefits for at least 18 months after leaving your job. You will have to pay more than when you were employed because you must also pay the premium costs previously paid by your employer. But you will receive the same health benefits while you look for another job or until you purchase health insurance. In some cases, you can apply for health insurance continuance after exhausting COBRA coverage through your State-mandated “High-Risk Pool” Insurance.
• Consider your health insurance situation carefully before agreeing to certain terms and conditions. This is especially important in situations of separation or divorce. Also, you may not want to waive certain survivor or retirement benefits as this could impact your health insurance benefits.
• A court order can be obtained to provide coverage for children under a divorced parent’s health plan, even if that parent does not have custody. This court order is called a qualified medical child support order.
• In most cases, there are strict time limitations in which to apply for benefits. So act quickly to get the right information and file the forms required in order to protect you and your family’s health insurance.
For More Information…
For more information about health insurance contact the National Women’s Health Information Center at 800-994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS
Phone: (800) 633-4227 (MEDICARE)
Internet Address:
http://cms.hhs.gov
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Phone: (866) 444-3272
Internet Address:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa
Health Resources Services Administration Information Center
Phone: (888) 275-4772
Internet Address:
http://www.ask.hrsa.gov
State Children's Health Insurance Program, CMS, HHS
Phone: (877) 543-7669 (KIDS NOW)
Internet Address:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/schip
Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Internet Address:
http://www.ssa.gov
The Center For Women Veterans
Phone: (800) 827-1000
Internet Address:
http://www.va.gov/womenvet
TRICARE/Military Health System
Phone: (888) DOD-CARE (363-2273)
Internet Address:
http://www.tricare.osd.mil
America’s Health Insurance Plans
Phone: (202) 778-3200
Internet Address:
http://www.ahip.org
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Phone: (816) 842-3600
Internet Address:
http://www.naic.org
The Commonwealth Fund
Phone: (212) 606-3800
Internet Address:
http://www.cmwf.org
Source:
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/healthins.htm
Denied health insurance! :( 
