Health care costs have skyrocketed in the last few years and it has become very difficult to get quality healthcare facilities at affordable prices. Especially for those belonging to low income group, access to these facilities has become virtually impossible. In these times, there are many health related problems and diseases which can prove to be very costly for treatment for low income group families. Hence it becomes all the more imperative for them to look for options to get them insured. In comparison to those who belong to high income group, low income families have no or very less options of employee sponsored insurance covers. Let us have a closer look at the options available to the low income group families made available by the government.
The problem with low income families is that they consider paying premiums for health insurance as a financial burden, which seen from their perspective is not wrong at all as they are busy arranging the next meal. But they must also consider the benefits associated with health insurance such as payment of medical bills, surgeries and rehabilitation in case of illnesses and diseases which are inevitable for any person. There are a few affordable insurance options which are specifically targeted for low income groups in the country. Different states have different programs depending upon their laws. Some of these are as follows.
Medicare
It is jointly financed by the federal and state governments. It can be availed by senior citizens, pregnant women, those who are unemployed and disabled persons. To be eligible for the program, one needs to be a citizen of the country and apart from his income, his total assets are also taken into consideration.
Medicaid
The same category of people is eligible for aid under this program also. This provides for all medical expenses such as OPD services, visits of doctor and in-patient services.
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