According to Families USA, a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization, about 18.7 percent of Oklahoma's population is uninsured. This is due to job termination, lay-off, unemployment, self-employment and the inability to qualify for health insurance due to the lack of full-time employment. Small businesses are not required to provide insurance for their employees, and due to high costs may not offer health insurance plans. Low wage earners and service industry employees often can't afford employer sponsored health insurance coverage due to the high costs of premiums. Fortunately, there are options for unemployed Oklahoma families with no health insurance coverage.
SoonerCare
SoonerCare is Oklahoma's Medicaid program and covers children under the age of 19, adults with children under the age of 19, pregnant women, people 65 and older and individuals who are blind or have a disabilty. The program also covers women under 65 who have breast cancer or cervical cancer.
SoonerCare also offers additional services to uninsured men and women over the age of 19 through SoonerPlan, which is for qualified individuals in need of family planning services.
Free Health Care Clinics
Because of the growing number of unemployed and uninsured in Oklahoma, the state initiated the Oklahoma Volunteer Charitable Healthcare Provider Program. This program established guidelines for free health care clinics throughout the state of Oklahoma. Free clinics, providers and referral sources can register their services with the state. This program provides unemployed and uninsured families quality, free health care options throughout the state. Free clinics are located throughout the state and provide services to families who areunable to pay for health care.
Reduced Fees and Payment Plans
For help with health care expenses, talk with your doctor about reduced fees and payment plans. Due to the large number of unemployed and uninsured individuals and families in Oklahoma, doctors and clinics are willing to work with families during difficult times. Payment plans for services and tests, free medicine samples and reduced fees during unemployment are all possible. Work with your doctor or clinic to continue all necessary health care for your family.
Legal Help
Free legal aid in Oklahoma answers questions about health insurance options for unemployed persons in Oklahoma. Free legal aid helps with the application process for social security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare and disability. The paperwork for these programs is extensive, and obtaining help without adding costs provides unemployed families a way to get answers. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma offers help to residents across the state. Oklahoma Indian Legal Services is a non-profit organization providing help to low-income Indians living in Oklahoma.
COBRA
Oklahoma families stay healthy wile unemployed through the COBRA Program. COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, allows families the option of continuing health care coverage through their former employer for a set premium. Most COBRA programs cover families for up to 18 months, and there are extensions available. COBRA coverage usually applies to companies with more than 20 employees, and both private and state employers.
References
- Families USA:: Who's Uninsured in Okalahoma and Why?
- Career One Stop: Pathways to Career Success
- Lawyers: COBRA Coverage
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority: SoonerCare Qualification Guidelines
- Need Help Paying Bills: Oklahoma Free Legal Aid and Advice
- Oklahoma State Department: Oklahoma Volunteer Charitable Healthcare Provider Program
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