No Insurance? No Problem!

In order to prove disability, SSA must have access to your medical records. However, many claimants find themselves in a position where, due to the loss of employment, they do not have sufficient insurance coverage and/or funds to see their doctors and generate those much-needed medical records. 

There are other options, however. It may take some persistence, but when it comes to proving disability, finding some type of medical treatment is critical if a claimant wants to prevail and obtain the benefits they need to survive.

Hospital Rating Systems

In the Cleveland area, hospitals like MetroHealth Medical Center have a rating system for patients who cannot afford care. MetroHealth’s website states that they will provide certain basic medically necessary hospital services, as long as the patient is a resident of the state of Ohio, is not currently receiving Medicaid, and meets Federal Poverty Guidelines in regards to income. The hospital also covers other services for Ohioans who are at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

Many major hospitals have similar programs for low income families and adults. Contact your local hospital and ask to speak with the financial assistance department to find out if they offer this type of help.

Free Clinics

Most major cities also have area free clinics that offer many basic services for free or very low cost. Free clinics are typically funded by local donations and are often staffed by student doctors. Most free clinics offer acute, non-emergent care. Some offer on-going preventative care and even dental care. Free clinics are open to anyone who lacks insurance, and/or do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.

If you are unsure if there is a free clinic in your area, visit http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf , which lists free clinics by state.

The Health Department

Similar to free clinics, your local health department may offer either basic low-cost or free medical care. Here in Cleveland, the health department boasts three wellness clinics that offer access to free vaccinations for children, free lead screenings, pregnancy tests, TB tests, family planning and HIV testing. 

The phone number to your local health department can usually be found in the phone book, and most government agencies have websites online explaining the services they provide as well as their contact information.

The Drug Store

It has become a recent trend for drug stores, such as Walgreens and CVS, to start offering some basic services right within their store. Most of these mini-clinics can diagnose, treat, and write prescriptions for common family illnesses, provide routine vaccinations and lab tests, as well as treat minor wounds, abrasions and sprains (minuteclinic.com). 

Most services for people without insurance cost under $100.00, and the clinics are staffed by certified nurse practitioners. Check out the costs and services CVS offers here. See what Walgreens has to offer by clicking here.

No matter where you decide to treat, it is a great favor you do for yourself to have the conditions that disable you not only properly treated, but well-documented by a healthcare professional. This is how SSA sees what’s really going on in your disability claim. If you require further assistance seeking treatment in relation to your disability claim, contact us today to find out how we can help.

 Written by Anna Westfall

We do whatever it takes to win your case!! If you live near Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lorain, Toledo, Cleveland, Ashtabula or Mentor (or even if you don't!), contact us today to find out how we can help you!