Aug 30, 2007 10:20 pm US/Pacific
Some Alternatives Exist For Uninsured Californians
by Jeanette Pavini
(CBS 5)
One in six Californians do not have full health coverage. Most are from middle class families making an income just over the poverty level, and young adults between the ages of 18 and 34. But alternatives to full health care do exist.
"It's a lot less expensive and I really don't have to wait a long time," said Christina Lue, who was being immunized at the college's health clinic.
The plan is $16 a semester, you just pay for lab work and some tests.
"Anyone that is taking credit classes is eligible to use this clinic," explained Sunny Clarke, Dean of Health Services at the college.
Plus you can be a student of "any" age. You are only required to take half a unit and online classes apply.
"Actually we take care of almost any kind of common kind of illness...If they have a eye infection, ear infection, sinus infection, throat infection, bronchitis, mild ammonia, yeast infection, asthma," Clarke said.
While clinics like this one can help with a whole array of services, they can't help in the event of a serious illness. If you need surgery or you develop cancer, you can buy a catastrophic health insurance policy. With this policy, you will pay a monthly fee and you'll have a larger deductible.
As with any policy, check the exclusions and make sure you are covered for any medical complications and make sure it covers what you need.
"It's better to have something, that's what insurance is, it's protection you hope you never have to get. You're betting against yourself," said Alice Wilson of United Policy Holders.
Websites like ehealthinsurance.com allows you to get quotes and compare various individual, family and small business health insurance plans.
Some folks are turning to phone services like TelaDoc where patients pay a flat fee of about $35 a month for medical advice and prescriptions over the phone.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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