If you don't have health insurance, paying for care can seem overwhelming. If you need care, it is important that you get medical care before you get worse. There are many resources available to help you. Start now to get the coverage and care you need.
- In a medical emergency, go to a hospital emergency room. They will not deny care or treatment. Remember the emergency room is for true emergencies, not routine care.
- Try an urgent care clinic or walk-in clinic. Call ahead and ask how much a visit will cost. Compare cost estimates for office visits on NHHealthCost.org.
- When scheduling an appointment, tell the doctor's office that you are uninsured and ask if discount rates are available. If discount rates aren't available, or are too expensive for you, call other facilities in the area, as some provide less expensive care than others. You can sort cost results by the uninsured discount offered on NHHealthCost.org
- Many healthcare facilities and providers offer payment plans. Check with your provider. If they do, paying a little over time can help make the care more affordable.
- For prescription medication, ask for drug samples or a generic (it will be lower cost than a brand name drug).
- Laboratory tests can be necessary and expensive, but you can choose where you get your test. The cost of lab tests differ quite a bit. You can search for the cost of common tests or go to the link to the Lab Work Price Check on NHHealthCost.org to compare the average costs of lab test in the NH by facility.
Resources for those with limited income
- Low cost or free care is available at community health centers. Information is available at http://www.bistatepca.org/find-a-health-center/ or https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ for an interactive national map.
- For help paying for prescriptions, see if you qualify
NH Medication Bridge Program at http://www.healthynh.com/medication-bridge.html
NH ServiceLink Resource Center Network at http://www.referweb.net/nhsl/
- Enroll in New Hampshire Medicaid for low or no cost coverage
Apply on-line at https://nheasy.nh.gov/
Apply by phone at 1-800-852-3345, extension 9700
- Health Insurance Premium Payment Program for assistance with employer plan premiums, or related costs
On-line at http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/oii/hipp.htm
Call for information at 1-800-852-3345, ext. 5218 or 603-271-5218
- Information on other medical, prescription, and dental resources https://www.usa.gov/paying-for-medical
- Medicare enrollment information for seniors and qualifying persons https://www.medicare.gov/
- Consider enrolling in a health insurance plan through New Hampshire's Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace. Depending on your income, you may qualify for help paying for insurance and medical care.
4/16/2018