Can't afford health care?

If you are like many Americans who do not have health insurance and cannot afford health care, or have health insurance that is limited, you should know that you still have options. Check out the Low Cost Health Care and Assistance page on WhereToFindCare.com.

You will find links to free and low cost clinics, federally qualified health centers, urgent care and walk in clinics, prescription assistance programs, and more.

If you know of a program or service that can help others please let us know and we can share them with consumers who are looking for those services.

Health Education for Seniors

There are many opportunities for Seniors and their care all over the country. Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan is offering many health education programs so Seniors can stay educated, informed, and healthy. Here are some upcoming events:

1) Bariatric Surgery: For overweight peoples wanting to know about procedures and surgeries and its effects on your body.
When: August 3rd, 6pm-8pm, with Dr. Stuart Verseman, bariatric surgeon
August 18, 7pm-9pm, with Dr. Alan Saber, bariatric surgeon
Where: Gilmore Center for Health Education, Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fee: Free
*Call 269-341-7723 or visit www.bronsonhealth.com to register.
*There is also a Bariatric Surgery support group available on August 20th, 7pm-8pm at the Gilmore Center for Health Education. Registration is not necessary, call 269-341-8900 for details.

2) Pre-Diabetes Class: A diabetes educator teaches a 2-hour class where you can learn symptoms, how to eat healthy, be active, and maintain healthy weights to fight the risk of diabetes
When: August 12th, 1p-3pm
Where: Bronson Diabetes Education Center, Suite 104, 820 John Street
Fee: $30
*Call 269-341-8585 to register.

3) Drug Interactions/Medication Review: You will be able to meet individually with a pharmacist who will review the medications that you are taking, checking for healthy drug interactions and making sure your drugs are quality.You will receive a free medication wallet card.
When and Where: Set up an appointment during regular office hours
Fee: Free
*Call Bronson Outpatient Pharmacy in downtown Kalamazoo at 269-341-6990 or Bronson Pharmacy Mattawan at 269-668-6205

Take advantage of these opportunities if you are in the Kalamazoo area and let us know how they've helped you, at WhereToFindCare.com. All feedback and reports are helpful in aiding those without health care.
For more information, visit: http://www.bronsonhealth.com
For the full article, visit: MLive: Bronson Offers Health Education

No Job? No Health Insurance? Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help

While searching today for free medical care, I came across an inspiring story I wanted to share.

In February, Dr Richard Klein, an internist from New York, ran an ad in a local paper advertising free medical care for existing patients who had lost their job and had no insurance. It's a service he has been offering for awhile. He started it after learning one of his long-time patients didn't make an appointment to see him because he had no health insurance. The patient fell very ill and had to be seen by the emergency room. "I always tell patients, I don't want you to wind up like the guy who nearly died," says Klein.

"There's a lot of depression going on around town because people lost jobs or are about to," he explains. "If everyone reaches out to people who lost a job or have fallen upon bad times, it would be so uplifting for the community."

I read about Dr Klein's story in an article written by Russell Turk, MD, called "The Doctor is In: Out of Work? Ask your physician for a discount"

In his article, Turk hopes other health care providers will starting asking themselves what they can do to help their patients hit by the recession.

He writes "They could start by being more proactive in asking about their patients' financial situation."

Dr Klein took a great step offering and then advertising his free medical care program. Another avenue to consider: volunteering. With more and more Americans losing their jobs and their health care insurance, free health care clinics are seeing more patients than ever. These clinics often operate on donations and volunteers.

As for patients, Turk encourages them to call their physician's office, explain their situation, and ask if any assistance can be provided.

Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask. Your doctor may offer aid, but if you don't ask, you'll never know.

Other Links of Interest:
Free Clinic Locator
Federally Qualified Health Center Locator
Discounted care courtesy of the Federal Government
Discounted Prescription Programs
Women gain access to vital screening

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician for any medical conditions you may have.

National Volunteer Week: Your Chance to Give Back

National Volunteer Week is April 19 - 25. The week was designated to honor people who get involved, give back, take action and solve problems in their communities.

What better way to get involved and give back to your community than to volunteer for a free clinic in your area? Or find other volunteer opportunities that interest you. Whatever you decide to do, WhereToFindCare.com thanks you!

Cover the Uninsured Week opens access to health care

The 7th annual 'Cover The Uninsured' week is March 22nd - 28th. The effort is sponsored by the Robert Wood Foundation with the support of public and private community groups, businesses and health care providers. Events are scheduled across the nation to care for the 47 million uninsured in the United States.

The Cover The Uninsured Michigan Network is sponsoring a Health Expo for the Uninsured at Cobo Hall - March 23rd, 9am to 6pm (see flyer) featuring health screenings, health care coverage enrollment, and more. The event is free. More information can be found about the Health Expo.

There are many health and wellness and enrollment fairs happening throughout New York , California, Texas, Illinois, and other states. To learn more about events your area check out the national website at CoverTheUninsured.org

Go to WhereToFindCare.com to find free/low cost clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more.

Few laid-off workers keep health insurance

I read an article recently that stated only about 1 in 10 workers who lose their jobs will opt to keep their employer sponsored health insurance through COBRA. (Source: CNN)

Some people opt out of COBRA because they don't understand what it does and so they put the paperwork aside and forgot about it. They tend to focus on immediate items that need to be done: starting a job search, filing for unemplyment, etc. And, unfortunately, there is a limited time period to sign up for COBRA. Check out the United States Department of Labor website; it's a great resource to learn more about COBRA.

The primary reason why workers opt out of the program is that the premiums are too high. While employed, the employer pays 75-85% of the employee's costs for health insurance. When unemployed, the ex-employee is expected to pick up 100% of the tab. When unemployed and money is tight, many people opt out seeing it as an option they cannot afford.

According to Cover the Uninsured, 46 million Americans are living without healthcare coverage. With unemployment rates on the rise, and the high number of people opting out of COBRA, the number of uninsured in this country will continue to rise. The time for healthcare reform is now.

Online Surveys & Market Research

There is a wonderful resource few uninsured individuals know about: free clinics. Free clinics offer free or low-cost care to persons who have no health insurance and limited or no income. The range of services can include primary care for acute and non-emergent conditions, dental services, and mental health services. WhereToFindCare.com seeks to help the unisured by providing a Free Clinic search tool. To start your search, go to the Free Clinic Directory page, type in your zip code and click Search. You'll be given a list of clinics in your area. If you see a clinic you're interested in, please be sure to call in advanced. Inquire about any qualifications or fees, their availability, and the services they provided.

Could Help Be On The Way For Our Uninsured?

President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Tom Daschle to be the new Health and Human Services secretary. Why might this be significant? Because according to this report, Daschle supports a government-funded insurance program for the nation's uninsured. And since Daschle will be responsible for helping set health care policy, perhaps real change might be on the horizon.

In the meantime, if you are uninsured and can't afford health care visit WhereToFindCare.com to search for free clinics in your area.