Surviving Without Health Insurance

Lois McNeal has something in common with 46 million Americans. She has no insurance.

“When the job phased out, the insurance phased out the same day. So I was between a rock and a hard place with no coverage whatsoever,” says McNeal.

So if she wants to see a doctor, this patient has to have lots of patience. Armed with lunch and reading material, she must wait in long lines at a health clinic run by Cook County.

“Thank god we have this place because I understand some of us who cannot get health care can still come here and get quality care. And that's very important in this day in age’” explains McNeal

It's important to Jennifer Roberts. She's suffering through a string of bad luck. She's lost her husband, her job, her apartment, and now her insurance.

“I’m college educated. I’m able to work, its very humiliating, very humbling, very humbling,” says Roberts.

At these county-run clinics, what you pay is based on what you earn. Depending on your income and your insurance, you can qualify for reduced charges or no charges. Doctors say it's a service more valuable now than ever.

They're also seeing a bump in numbers at Rush University Medical Center. Chief financial officer Catherine Jacobson says many people don't know it but there are discounts for hospital care.

She explains, “What we do at Rush is if you don't have insurance, we will automatically without asking you for any financial information, you are eligible for a standard discount. It just comes off your bill when you get your bill.”

At Rush, the policy is to offer 50% off to anybody uninsured. Loyola offers 40% off, while Northwestern offers 25% off.

And you don't have to be ashamed to ask. By law, all hospitals in Illinois are required to post signs explaining their financial assistance program.

Jennifer and Lois don't know if they could get by without a little help. They realize how expensive medical bills can be. But by going to a clinic like this, they've learned to care for the care they receive.

More help may be on the way. As part of President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget, he's asking for expanded coverage financed by new taxes.