According to the US Census Bureau, the number of uninsured Americans reached 45.7 million in 2007. Many of those who want health insurance cannot get it because they are too sick to pass a medical exam. However, the 2007 number was lower than 2006 due to more low-income children enrolling in government sponsored health insurance.
There are a number of ways for anyone to get no exam health insurance. In fact, most Americans do not undergo a medical exam to get coverage.
Employer Sponsored Group Health Insurance
Most families receive health insurance through a family member's employer. When health coverage is through an employer, there is no medical exam or underwriting required. Not all employees are necessarily eligible for employer group health insurance. If the employee works too few hours, that person may not be eligible to be enrolled on the employer's plan. Another disadvantage is that coverage may end upon termination of employment, but can be extended by 18 months with COBRA.
State SCHIP Programs
Health insurance for children is provided through a federal program called State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that's managed by the states. The states give their own SCHIP programs different names and low income eligibility requirements. For example, the California SCHIP program is called Healthy Families. In many cases, the application process begins by calling or going to the local county social services agency.
Medicare
The United States government provides its version of universal health care for seniors over 65 and the disabled through Medicare. Medicare is not a welfare program. Eligibility for Medicare is earned through employment taxes from previous work. The income and wealth of a person does not matter with regards to Medicare eligibility. It is important to enroll promptly upon initial eligibility due to penalties for late enrollment. Many health insurance policies require enrollment in Medicare, when eligible, as part of the terms and conditions.
State Health Insurance Programs
The federal government sponsors health insurance programs for people who can't afford medical care called Medicaid. States run their own Medicaid program while being funded by the federal government. In many cases, the state program has a different name. For example, in California the state Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. Although Medicaid programs are designed for people who can't afford medical care, it's best to determine eligibility by calling or going to a county or state social services agency.
Most states have high risk medical insurance pools for those who cannot get insurance anywhere else. These programs are available for those who have completely exhausted their COBRA coverage and have been turned down by health insurance companies for medical insurance due to poor health. For example, California has a program called Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP). Information and applications are usually done via the state government website responsible for health services.
Private No Exam Health Insurance
Although no exam health insurance does exist in the private health insurance market, they are hard to find and often come with benefit limitations. Some may require association in a group, such as students enrolled full time at a specific college or membership in a organization.
Paying Cash
The final option is to pay for health care in cash. Being a cash payer for health services does not mean paying the provider's full price. Many county hospitals have financial assistance programs that allow low income patients to pay a small co-payment rather the full cost of health care. Also, most pharmaceutical companies have assistance programs that allow low income patients to get their drugs at low prices.
Readers of this topic are often interested in reading about No Exam Life Insurance as well.
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