Hospital Care
You may qualify: Free hospital care
You may be surprised to learn how many people are eligible for free or reduced-cost hospital care. In particular, the federally mandated Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) provides a payment to hospitals for uncompensated care to those with low income. Free care is commonly extended to those with double the federal poverty-level earnings.
This fact sheet from the State of Ohio website will give you a good overview of the program. Services must be medically necessary and do not include elective procedures. Past hospital bills may also be covered; if think you might qualify, you should check with the hospital that rendered your service.
The good news is that this program covers a wide range of services, including diagnostic tests, provided by hospitals and hospital-employed professionals. Fees from doctors in private practice are not covered. Read the full post.
Federal Programs
Here’s insurance for those with existing conditions
Under federal health reform, those with specified pre-existing conditions must have access to health insurance, including inpatient hospital care, at a cost similar to what a healthy person would pay. Read the full post.
Employed? You still may qualify for Medicaid
So your income is low, you’re uninsured and you’re wondering whether you qualify for Medicaid health care benefits. Medicaid is very complex, but if you are eligible, Medicaid can serve as health insurance for you and any members of your family who are also deemed eligible.
Many who are employed, and who would not necessarily view themselves as low income, may still qualify for some benefits. These fact sheets on the State of the Ohio website give you a place to start for basic information. Read the full post.
If your children are uninsured, learn about CHIP
Are your children uninsured? Learn more about the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP is a state and federal partnership that targets uninsured children and pregnant women in families with incomes too high to qualify for most state Medicaid programs, but often too low to afford private coverage. Within federal guidelines, each state determines the design of its individual CHIP program, including eligibility parameters, benefit packages, payment levels for coverage, and administrative procedures. Mandatory, free-of-charge services include preventive care, immunizations and routine checkups.
You’re a veteran? Read on
The Veterans Health Administration reports having the largest integrated health care system in the United States, with 152 medical centers, numerous community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers, Vet Centers and Domiciliaries. More than 5.5 million Veterans receive VA health care each year.
If you are a veteran, you may complete an online survey to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for VA health care benefits. Or visit this page on the VA website learn more about elibility. Read the full post.
