Millions of Americans do not have health insurance in 2011. The staggering numbers are due to the state of the economy as well as the dismal job market. People are forced to obtain jobs that do not offer health-care benefits. Purchasing an individual health-care plan can force you to pay high monthly changes and deal with high deductibles. Although some individuals avoid needing medical care, it is possible for you to need surgery while you're uninsured. There are multiple options available in this type of situation.
Instructions
1. Schedule an appointment with a doctor if you're having a medical problem. Receive the diagnosis as well as the physician's recommendations for surgery. It's advisable to get a second opinion.
2. Ask whether the condition demands immediate surgery or if other treatment options are available. Tell the doctor you don't have health insurance. She may be able to refer you to a surgeon who can do the surgery at a reduced price.
3. Look for medical assistance on the Internet. The North American Surgery website, among others, may be able to help you locate a hospital and surgeon who will perform the necessary procedure at an affordable rate. The website offers access to an network of surgeons who perform procedures at costs as much as 50% less than people with health insurance have to pay.
4. Talk to the surgeon and determine whether or not a payment plan can be set up following the surgery. Most physicians will allow you to pay off the balance in monthly increments. Make sure that the payment plan is agreed upon before the surgery takes place.
5. Search the CMS website in order to determine what physician fees are for people with Medicare. The database provides you with surgery costs and payment-plan options according to your geographic location.
