Possibly injured and may need meds, X-ray… but Health insurance doesn’t kick in till April 1 because of waiting period from new job

[inspiredinla]

Please help. I am in severe pain. Ankle might be broken.

I just started a new job… my health insurance kicks in April 1. I’m no longer on my last insurance as of last September. I don’t have enough money to pay for doctor visits/X-rays/meds because insurance used to help out a lot. What can I do? My UHC plan starts April 1. I can’t make it to work in the morning with this excruciating pain. I want to see the doctor but it’ll be so expensive and my insurance doesn’t kick in. Help

 

[soulriderx]

@inspiredinla Yikes. If you need to see a doctor, try to find an FQHC. They offer sliding fee schedules based on earnings. Also, sometimes urgent care centers have flat rates for uninsured people. Hope it's just a sprain :/

https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

 

[kidsmediapastor]

@inspiredinla If you really think it might be broken, you need to have an X-ray. This is an emergency. Go to the ER, you can negotiate the bill down later with the hospital’s financial department. Sometimes they reduce it by a lot, like 90%+. Do not wait on this

 

[inspiredinla]

@kidsmediapastor Hey man I like this advice. I scheduled an appt with a PCP and the X-ray came back with a fracture. He sent me to a orthopedist and they said I need a CT scan. How can I get a CT scan and possibly surgery without paying the bill upfront? Do I need to go to the ER instead of an appt with a orthopedist

 

[kidsmediapastor]

@inspiredinla You shouldn’t have to pay the bill upfront. Did they tell you that? I don’t think that’s legal

 

[resjudicata]

@inspiredinla Find a health center. Google FHQC. They usually charge on a sliding scale and/or don’t charge. Or just look for a free clinic.

You could also find and consult with a health insurance marketplace navigator for your state. They can help you figure out if you can get Medicaid, a marketplace plan or some other insurance coverage until your employer insurance kicks in.

 

[resjudicata]

@inspiredinla If you have zero income - retroactive Medicaid if you’re eligible (likely in an expansion state)