So then I told my doctor, "maybe I should give you a second opinion." That shut him up, and luckily my Seattle health insurance coverage allowed me to find another doctor fast.
Many people in the U.S. have healthcare coverage through an employer. Others have medical care paid through a private insurance company or a government program such as Medicare and Medicaid. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also offers healthcare programs for veterans, and the military provides TRICARE for military personnel and their dependents.
If you have lost your group coverage through an employer as the result of unemployment, death, divorce, or loss of "dependent child" status, you may be able to continue your coverage temporarily under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). You, not the employer, pay for this coverage. When one of these events occurs, you must be given at least 60 days to decide whether you wish to purchase the coverage.
Some states offer healthcare assistance programs to residents who are unable to obtain coverage (and are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid) because of income or a pre-existing health condition. To find out if a program is available in your state, check with your state insurance regulator.
Massachusetts is the only state that has universal, mandatory individual health insurance coverage. For more information about Massachusetts health insurance, please contact the Massachusetts Health Department.
Most states also offer Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIPs), which are free or low-cost coverage for children who do not have health insurance.
For tips on choosing an insurance plan, please visit the Consumer Action web site's health insurance section.
You may also wish to contact your state health department to see if any additional assistance with healthcare costs is offered.
Finally, you may also wish to view information about the following topics: