Subsidized or public assistance: You may qualify for subsidized or free health insurance benefits. Fortunately for many people, the government provides health insurance programs for lower income or "at risk" people who need assistance. You may have heard of these programs and it is worth your time to investigate the matter for yourself, a friend, or a family member who may qualify. People who are most likely to qualify for assistance include children (under the age of 18), pregnant women, people with lower incomes, handicapped or disabled people, the elderly and other high risk individuals. Examples of these programs include: | 1 | Medicaid: A program established in each state to help provide health care insurance to "at risk" individuals or impoverished people. This program is typically known by different names in each state. | | | | | 2 | Medicare: A federally funded program designed to provide health care insurance coverage to individuals over the age of 65. | | | | | 3 | COBRA Coverage: Continuing health insurance coverage from your former employer if you have recently left the employer and if you had health insurance while employed. | | | | | 4 | Locally sponsored programs: Locally run programs to help insure impoverished individuals. | | | | | 5 | Victims of violence: Publicly funded programs to help cover healthcare costs incurred by victims of violence. | | | | | 6 | Other types of insurance: Other programs are available to cover undocumented people or other specific individuals. |
To find out if you qualify for free or discounted insurance coverage from one of these or other sources, please visit the Foundation for Health Coverage Education at CoverageForAll.org or call them directly at (800) 234-1317. This comprehensive website is very easy to use and will prompt you to answer a series of questions to determine if you might be eligible for health insurance coverage. The website may also alert you to other programs that can help to improve your quality of life. | 
