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With America living in recession, health insurance for many individuals is non-existent. Putting a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our backs are among the most important financial obligations.
For many, paying for “what ifs,” just doesn’t quite make the cut these days.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that, “According to the Census Bureau’s 2011 Current Population Survey (CPS), there were 49.9 million uninsured individuals in 2010, or 16.3% of the total population.”
It’s not unreasonable to think that these numbers have risen. Many Americans are figuring out how to make do without health insurance. Tips?
Government aid: Most states have different types of government aid. Look into specifics for your state to see if you qualify.
Dentistry from the heart: A national, non-profit organization that works to provide free dentistry in different cities across the nation. From cleaning, to X-rays, and extractions, visit their website for more information.
Planned Parenthood: Offers sexual and reproductive health care and services on a sliding scale, with proof of income (or no income).
Group coupon sites: Group coupons sites have quickly risen in popularity in the past few years. With all of the different sites, the possibilities are endless —especially when some sites have multiple deals each day. Although it isn’t free, oftentimes you can find discounted medical services. Keep your eyes and ears open for something you know is coming up, and try to think ahead of time.
Educate your self: Save up your cash to buy an anatomy book, a nutrition book, or a health cookbook. Better yet, go to your local library to check one out for free. Knowledge is power, educate yourself to empowher yourself.
Keep an open mind: There are many different ways to stretch your dollar, and it isn’t always within your comfort zone. Explore different treatment options, wait in line at the free clinic, or broaden your taste buds to include better foods.
The Internet is your friend: The Internet is an almost infinite possibility for education. Free clinic in the neighborhood? Google.
Volunteer: Can’t afford your Bikram yoga anymore? Volunteer to clean the studio. Free yoga and a little extra exercise.
Take care of yourself: This is absolutely the most important aspect of all. Living with or without health insurance, taking care of yourself on a day-to-day, meal-to-meal basis could end up saving your life.
• Eat the right foods: Fresh fruit and veggies, good fats, and a moderate diet. Food is medicine, eat the right stuff!
• Exercise: It not only prevents injuries, but gives you energy, releases endorphins to make you happy, releases stress and anxiousness, the benefits go on and on!
• Stay positive: Don’t forget to keep your chin up. If you’re reading this on a computer screen, chances off you’re better off than millions of others around the world. Staying positive can protect your health and wellbeing, and it’s a great character builder!
Sources:
Clark, A. (n.d.). Going Without Health Insurance - Mom Advice . MomAdvice: The Community of Tips, Advice and Articles for Moms. Retrieved February 20, 2012, from
http://www.momadvice.com/money/no_health_insurance.aspx
Overview of the Uninsured in the United States: A Summary of the 2011 Current Population Survey. (n.d.). Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, HHS. Retrieved February 20, 2012, from http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2011/CPSHealthIns2011/ib.shtml
Rajiva, L. (n.d.). Living Without Health Insurance by Lila Rajiva. LewRockwell.com. Retrieved February 20, 2012, from http://www.lewrockwell.com/rajiva/rajiva17.html
Reviewed February 22, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment3 Comments
Dentistry can be expensive for many reasons (cost of training, office overhead, insurance, etc) but most dentists are happy to help out existing patients when they run into a bind. I have done it many times in my own practice. We all go thru tough times and can always use a helping hand when that happens.
December 7, 2012 - 9:33amThis Comment
For me, STAYING HEALTHY is the best way to live without health insurance. Most holistic health and wellness providers are very affordable and create more overall and long-lasting fitness. In the last few years, I've experienced Colon Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Chiropractic, Sound/Vibration Therapy and more. Every body is different and has different needs. Still, preventing problems is so much easier than dealing with illness. I wash my hands regularly, eat good foods, take walks, et al. To be honest, I prefer mind-body-spirit medicine which is usually not covered by insurance anyway.
February 23, 2012 - 2:00pmThis Comment
Camille,
Thanks for your input, I couldn't agree with you more. Happy to hear that holistic and alternative therapies are working out so well for you! Regardless of circumstances, living a healthy life as prevention is the best thing you can do!
February 24, 2012 - 8:29amThis Comment