As a single mom one of the things that is overwhelming for me is medical care.  The pressure in making decisions about what to spend on care for myself is incredible.  Stress and age began taking their toll on my physically, and I suddenly had symptoms of problems I had never seen before. 

I am finally under good quality care, and have found great relief for my symptoms, but it is expensive without insurance (which I couldn't afford for myself).  I am blessed because my kids are covered under their dad's insurance, but I know of single moms who don't have even that provision.  So I am on a quest to find solutions to the dilemma of health care.

The first thing I found was Samaritan Ministries.  Samaritan Ministries is a different approach to medical care.  Instead of being an insurance program, Samaritan members share each others' expenses.  Each month I am sent a name and address of another member who has had a covered expense.  I send them a set amount (based on my membership--for example I have a single membership, so my share is lower than a family membership) that they apply directly to their expenses.  I am also to pray for that family, and for other members with needs via a published daily guide.  Some of the same limitations exist with Samaritan as you would find with an insurance program, although even some of these limitations are listed as unpublished needs for others to contribute to as they are able.  I also receive a monthly newsletter discussing all kinds of things from a biblical perspective, especially health care issues.  One other benefit of Samaritan is that in urgent situations they will work between you and the medical billing departments to prevent problems with admissions, collections, and such.  Routine care is not covered, but it really eases my mind when I consider the possibility of illnesses or injuries.

The only problem I've run into personally for Samaritan, is that it doesn't help much with my routine and ongoing care.  I have to have medications monthly that are running me anywhere from $150-200 and up. I have to pay for the doctor's visit on top of that.  Recently I discovered that certain drug manufacturers will help people who can't qualify for drug assistance and whose income is under a certain level.  Even better, Rx Assist will help you identify the companies and medications you can recieve assistance from, and they even provide the forms in PDF format to print out.

One thing I would suggest is that single parents and others as well stay informed about medical legislation.  Samaritan has just informed us that certain states are trying to push legislation through requiring every person to carry state approved insurance.  I haven't looked into it, but I'm sure it is fueled by arguments about reducing welfare assistance.  The problem is that the government then has the power to manipulate all insurance coverage by what they approve or disapprove.  This has significant impact not only on individuals and families who would financially cannot afford health insurance and care, but it also affects issues like abortion, euthanasia, care of the disabled, and other moral issues.

If you have tips or have found a really good way of soliciting medical or dental care on a limited income, please feel free to share them here.  I'd love to find out more ways to help those in need.