Where can I find information about free or low-cost health insurance for people who can't afford to pay for private insurance? Are there low cost health care facilities in my area?

Answer:

The U.S. Department of Human Services administers three free or low-cost health insurance programs:

Medicare insurance is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). For information about Medicare, go to http://www.medicare.gov . To learn if you are eligible for Medicare, visit: http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C6%7CWinXP&language=English . Medicare also offers a site with Frequently Asked Questions where you can look for answers to your questions or ask a new one.

Medicaid is for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Eligibility and benefits vary considerably from State to State. To find information about general eligibility on the Medicaid Web site, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidEligibility/ .

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides free or low-cost insurance for children in working families, including families with individuals with a variety of immigration statuses. For more information on SCHIP and to find your State's SCHIP Web site, go to http://www.insurekidsnow.gov .

There is also a nationwide network of community-based health care centers that provide primary health care services at low or no cost. Go to http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ to find a community health center near you.

Last Updated: 6/16/2008