Health Care

Unfortunately, there are few affordable health care options for low-income, undocumented people—particularly at the federal level.

Though any person in the United States is eligible for Emergency Medicaid regardless of citizenship status, this program only requires hospitals to stabilize patients who are in critical condition—conventional treatment options are not covered under this option.

One possible option for underserved, undocumented women could be access to care through the Hill-Burton program. Started in 1946, the federal government began to pay for development/re-development costs of certain hospitals throughout the country; in exchange, those hospitals have agreed to provide free or reduced-cost care to a certain number of patients per year. Now about 200 Hill-Burton obligated facilities remain throughout the country. Importantly, these hospitals do not look to immigration status when determining eligibility. To find a Hill-Burton obligated facility near you, go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton/

In addition to Hill-Burton facilities, some undocumented patients may be able to receive treatment at community health facilities—but this is going to vary based upon the geographic region. Finally, some (but not all) states have extended certain state programs to undocumented individuals that meet other eligibility criteria: for example, in California, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP—available at: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/pages/BCCTP.aspx) is available to anyone, regardless of immigration status.

1. To take charge of their healthcare patients need to decide that their health is priority #1 and they chose to be in charge. This an important decision point, because the other actions follow this commitment. Surprisingly there are many patients who say they want to get better, but really don't because their illness in some way meets their needs.

2. The second step would be to look at health from the holistic view and examine all areas of your life and their impact on your health. For example, financial problems can add tremendous stress, an therefore can adversely affect your health. Relationships,jobs, lifestyle, even your leisure and self care - are all connected to your health and wellness.

3. The third step is to create a specific action plan for those areas that need improvement.

4. The fourth step is to get a "health buddy" to help with accountability and staying on track with your plan. Accountability is extremely important. Just think about all the New Years resolutions that have come and gone after a few months.

This is your health, and you committed to being in charge. Now you are ready for step 2.

If you are to be in a hospital or surgery center and you will not be using your insurance, you can negotiate with them. You can start by offering 60% of their fee and then settle on a 70% of their fee. You can also negotiate fees with your medical professionals. Many doctors will reduce their fees by 20% if you pay within the first 30 days and may discount their services more if you describe your plight. This info comes straight from docs, nurses, medical professionals, patients and more who I interviewed, and is in my new book, the Take-Charge Patient: How You Can Get The Best Medical Care(out 3/2012). Not trying to push my book but mention it so you know it is credible info.
Here are a couple of websites who help patients find affordable health insurance and free health care.
Patient Advocate Foundation http://www.patientadvocate.org/help4u.php
Coverage For All
http://www.coverageforall.org/
Foundation For Health Coverage Education
http://www.coverageforall.org/
Good luck! Martine

• Share a basic description of your problem—one to two sentences is ideal.
• Tell them when you experience symptoms and how often they occur.
• Let them know if anything makes the symptoms better or worse.
• Tell them if you have ever experienced the symptoms before, and under what circumstances.
• Tell them if anyone else in your family or workplace is experiencing the same symptoms.

For more advice about talking to your providers about symptoms, see our full-length feature article: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol3/Prepared-Patient-Vol3-Issue8.cfm