Financial Web
> Group Life Insurance
> Lowering Your Life Insurance Rates
> Choosing Individual and Family Health Coverage
> Preparing for Your New Motorcycle
> You CAN Lower your Premiums
> Finding Affordable Health Insurance
> Policy Continuation Options
> Bundling your Insurance with one Company
> The High Price of Health Insurance
> Is your Homeowners Insurance Sufficient?
> Permanent or Term Insurance: Which should you choose?
> The Necessity of Health Insurance
> Buying Homeowner's Insurance: A Process
> Sports Car Insurance
> 15 Ways to cut Your Medical Costs
> A Few Words About Dental Insurance
> Annuities
> Auto Insurance - What do You really Need?
> Annuity Options
> A Life Insurance Primer
> Beware of Unfair Trade Practices
> Blended Life Insurance
> Be Aware of these Life Insurance Clauses
> Blue Cross and Blue Shield
> Beneficiaries and the Uniform Simultaneous Death Act
> Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
> Credit Insurance
> Comparing Life Insurance Policy Costs
> Coordination of Benefits
> Control what You Can
> Characteristics of Insurance Contracts
> Compare when Buying Auto Insurance
> Disability Insurance
> Disability Insurance for Businesses
> Endowments
> Examining Annuity Premiums
> Flexible Life Insurance Policies
> Glossary of Insurance Terms
> Government Health Insurance
> History of Insurance
> HMO vs. PPO
> How Your Insurance Premiums are Calculated
> Homeowners Insurance
> Insurance Beneficiaries
> If You’re Involved in an Accident…
> Immediate and Deferred Annuities
> Insuring Your Teenage Driver
> Insuring Your New Motorcycle
> Know your Car Insurance Policy
> Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance
> Life Insurance in Business
> Life Insurance in Business - Part 2: Partnerships and Corporations
> Life Insurance in Business - Part 3: Corporate Life Insurance Strategies
> Limited Policies
> Life Insurance is Your Property
> Major Medical Insurance
> Medical Savings Accounts
> Medicare
> Medicaid
> Medicare Advantage Coverage
> No Health Insurance?
> Optional Disability Insurance Benefits and Riders
> Other Types of Annuities
> Paying for Dental Care
> Pass on these Insurance Offerings
> Payment of Claims
> Prepaid Dental Plans
> Rental-Car Insurance
> Rating the Risks
> Some Insurance Riders
> Some Whole Life Policies
> Sufficient Insurance for your Needs
> Specialized Life Insurance Policies
> Some LTC Specifics
> Some Common LTC Policy Provisions
> Settlement Options for Annuities
> Save on Your Homeowners Insurance
> Types of Life Insurance
> Term Life Insurance
> The 10 Best Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Bill
> The Basics of Underwriting Insurance
> Things to Remember When Buying Healthcare
> Ten Questions for Your Managed Care Plan
> Types of Term Policies
> Types of Insurance Providers
> Taking more Responsibility for your own Health Care
> Underwriting Group Policies
> VA Health Benefits
> Variable Annuities
> Workers Compensation
> Your Health Insurance - What You’re Paying
> Your Health Insurance - and what it should Cover

No Health Insurance?

Even with all the problems facing it, the United States is still one of the richest and most advanced nations on earth. The typical standard of living remains quite high, and the level of medical care is unsurpassed – if it can be afforded. In spite of the superiority of the American health care system, it's a disturbing fact that millions of individuals and families do not have access to appropriate medical care because they have no insurance coverage. It's startling to note that from the years 2000 to 2006 health insurance costs have nearly doubled, putting it hopelessly out of the reach of many smaller employers, not to mention scores of private individuals. Those unable to afford the financial burden of health insurance typically have little alternative but to simply go without coverage – a risky proposition at best. Furthermore, it's ironic that hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and most health care providers in general charge uninsured patients more than those with insurance coverage – as much as four or five times more. In the face of such monumental challenges, what can the uninsured do?

Fortunately, if you're among the many without health care coverage, there are some courses of action that you can pursue. First, if you know in advance that you'll need treatment, inform your service provider or hospital beforehand that you have no insurance coverage and ask for a discounted price. If they choose not to accommodate your request, do your best to find a provider who will.

As a part of your search, don't neglect to explore your options for free health screenings by your local county health department or nonprofit agencies such as the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. If you're a veteran, the Veterans Administration offers a network of hospitals that provide care and services at reduced rates (or completely free if you qualify). These agencies can be invaluable in both providing care and referring you to other organizations that may be of further assistance to you. For instance, you might qualify for Medicaid coverage, even if only temporarily (your local Social Services or public health agency will help to determine your eligibility). And if you're in need of prescription medications but don't have the money to buy them, ask your pharmacist for the contact information of the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Then contact the company directly to request a price discount. Some pharmaceutical companies may very well assist you, but you won't know until you ask.

If all these efforts fail (or even if they succeed in obtaining a discounted price for services and medication but you still find yourself facing a large bill that you simply cannot pay), don't panic – it isn't the end of the world. And before you charge it to your credit card, ask the provider to assist you by agreeing to accept a monthly payment plan. Even if they charge you interest (and, happily, not all of them will), it'll likely be significantly less than what your credit card company will hit you with.