Consumer Reports: Medical help for uninsured

While Congress tries to hammer out a health-care bill, an estimated 46 million Americans could be one illness away from financial disaster. They're people who have no health insurance at all. What are the options if they get sick? Consumer Reports has important information on where to get care.

The first place to check is whether you qualify for government insurance programs. Even if you don't qualify for Medicaid, your children may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance program, or CHIP. You can find out whether you or your children are eligible for these government programs at www.govbenefits.gov. Consumer Reports says the CHIP coverage is very good. You can get more information about the program at insurekidsnow.gov/.

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, some communities have federally subsidized health-care centers that offer basic care. Those clinics treat everyone, and charge according to your income. You can search for one of those clinics near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.

Consumer Reports says for routine care, avoid the emergency room. Go there only when you have a real emergency. Hospitals do have to take you if you're having a true emergency, such as a broken leg or chest pain. But they can also send you a huge bill and be very aggressive about collecting it.

Also consider negotiating what you'll have to pay for care—ask a clinic, doctor, or hospital for the discount that insurance companies get. Consumer Reports says that discount could save you as much as half of your bill. And you won't get it if you don't ask.

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