Subscribe to this blog's feedSome 46 million Americans lack even the most basic health insurance. Among African Americans the rate of uninsurance is particularly devastating. One-third of working African Americans lacked health insurance at some point during 2005, according to a study conducted by healthcare foundation The Commonwealth Fund. And this doesn't even begin to address the percentage of people who are uninsured.
If you or your children are un- or underinsured, these resources can help you obtain the coverage every human being deserves:
• HealthCareCoach.com. Advice on everything from finding affordable insurance to your rights under COBRA to getting your contraception covered by your group health plan.
• InsureKidsNow.gov. Some 9 million children lack insurance; 16% of them are black. Unfortunately, while low- or no-cost children’s health insurance programs are available in every state, they can be difficult to identify because they go by different names. This website describes your rights and helps you identify resources in your area: You can also call 1-877-KIDS-NOW.
• Medicaid. Children and young adults under age 21 who are on Medicaid automatically qualify for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program, a comprehensive plan designed to diagnose and treat health problems at an early age. To learn more about these benefits, click here.
• Young adults. Most health-insurance plans will cover students until age 20-24 (in some states until 30)—but only if you alert your plan’s administrator. Before your child turns 18, inform your insurer if your child is still in high school or entering college. Some colleges offer their own plans, and some young adults qualify for COBRA. For more information, go here.
• Reproductive health. Planned Parenthood offers contraception, STD screenings, sexual health counseling, breast and gyn exams to women and men at prices scaled to your income. For more information, go here