Affordable Health Care Resources

The economy may be headed toward a recovery (we can only go up from the bottom, right?) but in the mean time, many of us have lost our insurance coverage. If you're anything like me, that means you cross your fingers and hope you don't get sick, need glasses or get a cavity. But what to do if you DO need care?

I recently discovered some very affordable dental care in my area and decided to do a little research for other areas of the country and other areas of care. I'm sure the following information is the tip of the iceberg but it may help you or someone you know get some much needed care.


Dental Care

Did you know that there are schools of dentistry all around the country that have clinics which provide affordable treatment plans? This is one area I have personal experience with, a good personal experience.

If you are interested in dental care at a teaching facility, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It's not free, however it is cheaper than you may pay even with insurance.
• It will take multiple visits to create your full profile with history, x-rays and treatment plan.
• Each visit will take longer due to the student being checked by a faculty member after each procedure.
• Work is done by no less than third-year students who have practiced on live people before.

Example start up:
Your first visit may accomplish a medical history, full mouth x-rays and the determination of whether or not you are a candidate for the facility. Only extreme cases are usually turned down. The second visit can include mouth molding, periodontal probing and establishing a treatment plan.

In my experience, the first two visits combined were $69 total.

At the facility here in Arizona, they cannot submit insurance documents on your behalf, however, if you have insurance you can submit your own bills for payment.

I found a list of teaching facilities at the American Dental Association's website. Click below to see if there is a facility in your state, not all facilities have clinics but most do:

Dental Education Program Search


UPDATE - Carol over at Easy To Be Gluten Free has provided a state by state link to dental hygiene colleges providing affordable cleanings - Health Guide USA. Thanks Carol!



Medical Care

I do not have first hand experience with the following services.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports federally-funded community health centers across the nation.

What is a federally-funded healthy care center? The following text is directly from the search page:

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide

1. checkups when you're well
2. treatment when you're sick
3. complete care when you're pregnant
4. immunizations and checkups for your children
5. dental care and prescription drugs for your family
6. mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. Click the links below to to access the search page for a health center near you.

Health Resources and Services Administration – Search By Address or City

Health Resources and Services Administration – Search By County

All searches have the option to include a map.



Eye Care

The American Optometric Association has a program called Vision USA. Again, the paragraph below is text taken directly from the web page:

If you do not qualify for government aid or private health care assistance that covers the cost of routine eye or vision care, VISION USA can help. VISION USA provides basic eye health and vision care services free of charge to uninsured, low-income people and their families. VISION USA was established in 1991 by AOA doctors of optometry who donate their services.

Eligibility Requirements
VISION USA is open to children and adults. General eligibility requirements vary by state. To receive free services, you must:

1. Have no vision insurance (this may include Medicare/Medicaid)
2. Have income below an established level based on household size
3. Not have had an eye exam within two years

If you or your family are eligible to receive services, you will be matched with a volunteer doctor of optometry who will provide a comprehensive eye exam at no charge. Eyewear also may be provided at no cost or for a small fee/donation in some states. (Note: Doctors donate their services and may be limited in some areas.)

Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming should first review screening instructions. Click the link below to view the instructions by state:

VISION USA STATE-RUN PROGRAMS


For all other states in the U.S., click the link below to access the application form and instructions:

VISION USA PATIENT APPLICATION FORM



More To Come
I am in the process of creating a resource tab in my menus for health care related items. If you have any additional information for affordable care please email me and I will start adding to the information as I receive it.

Next up I will uncover secrets to lowering the cost of your prescriptions. Stay tuned....