What is having no health insurance a problem?
Every year, more people in Ohio and across the United States lose their health insurance so the problems of the uninsured are growing. This is a devastating problem because people without insurance tend to delay or avoid getting health care and they get sicker so their health deteriorates and they ultimately have much higher health care costs.

What do I do if I don’t have any health insurance?
If you do not have any health insurance, you should investigate whether you qualify for any health insurance program such as Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Remember that some members of your family may qualify for different programs, so you should consider whether each member of your family qualifies for each program.

If you or your spouse have recently changed jobs or lost a job, you should also investigate whether you are eligible for COBRA continuing coverage benefits. If you do not qualify for any health insurance program, you can get your care from a Federally Qualified Health Center or a Free Clinic.

What if I have a bill from a hospital and I cannot pay it?
If your income is less than the Federal Poverty Level, the Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) may help you. HCAP pays hospitals to provide services to low-income uninsured Ohioans. You can ask a hospital to write off the charges for all hospital-level services. Hospitals are required to give all patients notice of the HCAP on their bills. Ask your hospital billing department about HCAP.

What if I need prescription medications?
There are several programs that help uninsured people afford their medications.

• First, ask your doctor if she can give you free samples of your prescription medications. Many doctor offices get free samples of medications, so they may be able to give them to you.

• Second, theOhio Best Rx programoffers discounts on prescription drug costs for many Ohioans without prescription drug insurance coverage who are:
  

60 years of age or over; OR

under age 60 with annual family incomes of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level which is: $30,636 (single), $41,076 (family of two), $61,956 (family of four).

• Third, many prescription drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs that may offer your medications for free or for a reduced fee. Visit the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America website or theRxAssist websiteto see if the medications you take are included.