Finding Affordable Healthcare

Worrying about cost is one of the most common reasons people put off care. The good news is that there are programs and places designed to make healthcare more affordable. Knowing where to look is the first step.

Start with a community health center

Community health centers (sometimes called federally qualified health centers) receive support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). They serve people whether or not they have insurance.

Things to know:

• They offer sliding fee scales, which means what you pay is based on your income and household size.
• Many offer primary care, and some also offer dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.
• Many are located in rural communities.

You can search for one near you with HRSA's Find a Health Center tool by entering your address or ZIP code.

Rural health clinics are another option in many rural areas. Ask any clinic you call whether they offer a sliding fee scale or payment plan.

Check if you qualify for coverage

Having health coverage can lower your costs a lot. Several programs may be available.

Medicaid

Medicaid is public health coverage for people with lower incomes and some other groups. Rules differ from state to state. You can apply through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov. You can apply at any time of year.

CHIP

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children, and in some states pregnant people, in families that earn too much for Medicaid but may not be able to afford private coverage. InsureKidsNow.gov has information by state.

Health Insurance Marketplace

HealthCare.gov (or your state's own Marketplace website) lets you compare plans. Depending on your income, you may qualify for savings that lower your monthly cost. There is a yearly open enrollment period. Certain life changes, like losing other coverage, moving, or having a baby, may let you sign up at another time.

Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance mainly for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities. If you have limited income, you may be able to get help paying Medicare costs. Medicare.gov has details.

Ways to save on the care you get

• Ask about cost up front. It is okay to ask, "About how much will this cost?" before a test or procedure.
• Ask about payment plans or financial assistance. Many hospitals have financial assistance programs. Ask the billing office how to apply.
• Stay in network. If you have insurance, using in-network providers usually costs less.
• Ask about generic medicines. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can tell you if a lower-cost option is available.
• Consider telehealth. For some visits, telehealth may save travel costs and time away from work. Check whether your plan covers it.
• Choose the right place for care. For problems that are not emergencies, a primary care office or urgent care clinic usually costs less than an emergency room. For emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Help with other costs

Getting care can involve more than the bill itself. Gas, time off work, and child care add up. Some options to explore:

• Ask your clinic or health plan whether transportation help is available. Medicaid covers rides to medical appointments in many situations.
• Ask about evening or weekend hours.
• Ask whether follow-up visits can be done by phone or video.

Keep your paperwork

Save bills, explanation of benefits forms, and receipts. If a bill looks wrong, call the billing office and ask for an itemized bill. You have the right to ask questions.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

Let your healthcare team know if cost is making it hard to follow a treatment plan or fill a prescription. They may know about lower-cost options or programs. Never stop a medicine because of cost without talking with your healthcare professional first.

This page is for general education and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional or a benefits expert.