This article is written to help those who are without medical insurance coverage for whatever reason, but is especially intended for those of you who have fallen through the cracks and don't qualify for Medicaid (too much income) and can't afford insurance premiums.

     When I was self-employed I was covered by my wife's insurance offered at work. I then became employed by a company that offered me my own coverage. I went on their plan and removed myself from my wife's plan. I then had a serious accident at work, placing me on Workmen's Compensation, and eventually, Social Security Disability.

     My insurance was taken away shortly after my accident, except that I was covered for accident related injuries. I couldn't get Medicare coverage until two years from my disability. I was nervous because I had a bad history of diabetic complications. We owned a home (subject to a mortgage) and my wife's income precluded me from Medicaid benefits. I was permanently disabled and would have to wait two years for Medicare approval, and couldn't afford the $45.00 per week expense to get back on my wife's plan. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

     Then, as I stood in the unemployment line, I saw a booklet on what to do when you are faced with a financial downturn. In the booklet was a description of the Hill Burton Act, which was enacted for people like me: Too rich for Medicaid coverage, too poor to afford private insurance. I learned that this plan was available because certain medical facilities had either borrowed money or received grants from the federal government to develop their facility. In return, they were obligated to provide FREE care to those that qualified. Income levels were based on the poverty level with a formula that increased qualifying limits, depending on household bills and income. You can apply for the program after you've had medical expenses, also, and still qualify.

     I contacted the Department of Health and Human Services in Rockville, MD. They sent me a list of all hospitals in my area that participated in the Hill Burton plan. Unbelievably, the hospital down the street from me was listed. I applied at the business office, qualified, was given a card, and now walk into the hospital without worrying. I am on what is called the 'sliding scale' or 'self-pay' plan. I got Medicare coverage, but now I am covered for the 20% that Medicare doesn't cover.

     Please remember that this plan is not Welfare and that we paid for it with our tax dollars.

     All hospitals have assistance plans for the needy, but you must contact the business office or they won't know of your problem. If nothing else works, you can arrange a payment plan. You may try the local health department which can recommend sources of aid in non-emergency situations.

     To contact the hotline for the Hill Burton information and participants available in your area, you can reach them at 1-800-638-0742 or 1-800-492-0359 (in MD). You can also write:

Office of Health Facilities
Health Resources and Services Administration
Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857

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