If you are looking to apply or see if you qualify for disability benefits without insurance, you’ve come to the right place. In order to prove disability, the Social Security Administration 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.
There are many free clinics throughout the United States. Find a free clinic in your area.
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.
You can usually find the phone number to your local health department online or in the phonebook. Additionally, most government agencies have websites online explaining the services they provide as well as their contact information.
The Drug Store
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 have staff with certified nurse practitioners. Check out the costs and services that CVS and Walgreens offers.
Now What?
However you decide to treat yourself for your conditions, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Be sure to have your disabling conditions properly treated
- Be sure that your treatment is 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 Balin Law can help.