TeenHealthFX - Answers - Don't Have Medical Insurance

Doctor Visits, Medical Procedures and Medical Insurance / Question
Published: September 29, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm 19 and i've been getting sick lately. I dont have medical so I'm not sure what's wrong with me. On Friday i started 2 get really bad migrains and my breast started 2 hurt really bad. My nipple is xtreamly sore and it turns purple and small white thick fluid comes out i can tweeze it out. Theirs a bright blue vein on my breast and i get shart pains in my upper stomach. I have no idea what is wrong i'm scared. Can you help me please?

Signed: Don't Have Medical Insurance

Dear Don't Have Medical Insurance,

TeenHealthFX is unable to give any kind of accurate diagnoses over the web, but based on the physical symptoms you are describing, and the fear you are subsequently experiencing, we think it’s very important that you meet with a medical professional as soon as possible so you can be diagnosed and properly treated. One of the easiest things you can do is to go to your local emergency room. Hospital emergency rooms are required by law to treat patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. So this would probably be one of your best bets to start with.

Another good option for your current situation is to go to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration, Find A Health Center website at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cc/ By typing in your address on the website homepage you can locate a health center near you. These federally-funded health centers, located in most cities and many rural areas, provide medical and mental health care, even for those without health insurance. You pay on what is known as a “sliding scale” – what you can afford based on your income. These health centers can generally provide:

Check-ups when you are well
Treatment when you are sick
Complete care when you are pregnant
Immunizations and check-ups for children
Dental care and prescription drugs for families
Mental health and substance abuse care

For medical care in the future, FX suggests that you research what assistance programs are available in your state for those who are uninsured or underinsured. For example, NJ has something called the New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care), which can help to cover medical and mental health treatments for people who are uninsured or underinsured. If you live in NJ and would like information on applying for Charity Care, call 1-866-588-5696 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm or email them at http://www.state.nj.us/health/cc/. If you live outside of NJ you can look online or contact your local hospital to ask about any insurance supplement plans offered in your state. You can also contact your local hospital or teen health center to see if they offer any kind of financial assistance or sliding scale programs for those without medical insurance.

FX does not know what your current situation is, but keep in mind that if you are a full-time student in college, at 19 you should continue to receive coverage under your parents’ insurance plan and/or be able to use the medical center located on your college campus.

This last suggestion is for the long-run, but if you are working, one of the things to consider is switching to a job that does offer a decent health insurance plan. When looking at the benefits of a particular job – salary, commute, working environment, etc. – one important thing to consider is whether or not the company offers health insurance. In addition, it is also important to find out about the insurance plan – such as what is covered and how much is covered – as different companies will offer different levels of health coverage.

Signed: TeenHealthFX