The health insurance system works, until you find out that you can't afford it or you've been denied coverage. Insurance companies can pick and choose who they cover, leaving 46.3 million Americans as of 2009, as reported by the New York Daily News, uninsured. If you've been denied health insurance, you can still find ways to get insured so that you are protected in the face of a medical emergency.
Insurance Companies
While the insurance company you're currently with has raised premiums or denied you coverage, you can shop around for a company that will cover you in your current condition. Tom Tattory, an insurance agent in Missoula, Montana says that three of the nation's insurance companies are notoriously strict about health problems and have no problem denying individuals. Just because you were denied by one company doesn't mean you'll be denied by all.
High Risk Insurance Pools
Thirty-three states in the U.S. offer high risk insurance pools put in place to help cover individuals who have health problems and can't get covered by insurance companies, says Kiplinger.com. A high risk insurance pool must accept those with medical problems, and offer comprehensive coverage much like an insurance company would. The premiums and deductibles may be slightly higher than with traditional health insurance but offer an annual spending cap and prescription drug allowance.
Health Savings Accounts
You can open a health savings account under the Medicare Act of 2003 that will allow you to save money tax free to use for potential medical expenses. You can open it through your bank, and then you can contribute up for $2,900 per year if you are an individual or $5,800 per year for a family. This money can pay for doctor's visits, testing, hospital stays and prescriptions. A good idea is to contribute on a per-month basis, as if you were paying into a health insurance plan.
Discount Card Options
Discount cards are helpful for individuals who find themselves paying out of pocket expenses when they are denied or can't afford health insurance. Discount cards offer a discount on all medical services. You simply present your card after the service has been complete, the discount is calculated and removed from your bill, and you pay the balance. Discount cards usually have a small per-month fee but can cut costs for those without health insurance to make them more manageable. Discount cards are available to everyone, and you won't be denied because of past health problems.
Mini-Meds
Mini-meds are a fairly new type of plan that give you an allotted amount for each type of medical service that you receive. You pay a moderate amount into the plan per month, and in return you receive partial coverage for things like hospital visits, doctor's office visits, maternity and even surgery. For instance, the plan may pay $300 per day for a hospital stay. The hospital stay may actually cost $500 per day, so the mini-med plan pays the $300 per day, and you are responsible for the remaining $200.
Mini-med care is best for preventative care and day-to-day medical expenses, but isn't effective for emergency or long-term care as they have a low yearly payout. However, mini-med plans are low-cost alternatives with relaxed preexisting condition rules that may be ideal for some individuals.
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