1-31-07

            With the seemingly never ending increase in numbers of individuals who fall into the unfortunate classification of having no health insurance, we are frequently asked by clients, "What am I going to do?  I'm injured, but have no health insurance and can't afford to go to the doctor and can't afford prescriptions." 

            Whatever your situation is, you should know that there are options.  First, if you are experiencing symptoms following a collision most hospitals (hospitals that accept federal funds  - - Medicare payments) must, under a federal law known as EMTALA, provide a screening and stabilizing treatment without requiring proof of insurance or payment up front.   So, individuals can avail themselves of a medical evaluation from the emergency department of their local hospital.  

            Following release from the hospital, if your symptoms persist, you will next be confronted with problem that the insurance company will not consider your claim of continuing symptoms without continuing medical treatment and documentation.   Therefore, you will have to seek to find a way to get medical treatment despite your lack of health insurance.  There are a few options.   If your income is low you may qualify for Medicaid or other Government medical assistance.  In Omaha, Douglas County General Assistance has a "Primary Health" Clinic that provides medical care for the poor.  You should consider calling your State's Medicaid office to see if you qualify and/or telephone your County to see if you can qualify for medical assistance. 

            From years of experience in the area of handling personal injury claims, there are also a limited number of medical providers (physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists) who will consider treating people without requiring advance payment if certain conditions apply.  They may request that you provide the insurance information of the person or company responsible for causing the incident that resulted in your injuries.  They may also require that you promise to pay, in writing, from any recovery you obtain.

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