# I have a broken back and no insurance. What are my options? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 18, 2008, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480 "2008-10-18T01:56:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/1 "2008-10-18T01:56:44Z")
Recently, I Broke my back in two places… I fractured my l2 and l4. I’m in pretty chronic pain. Now is the time that I need to see a doctor and work on making it better but the problem is that I just graduated. That means I’m uninsured. I’m trying to find a job (hopefully with benefits) Until then, I don’t know what to do. When I broke my back, I was able to see a doctor to get Xrays… of course i paid out of pocket. I was told I would need some sort of physical therapy. I live in IL (southern IL, to be precise) Are there any programs the government offers that I can look into? Any other advice? My prorities are; First and foremost I want to get some relief from the awful pain. Second, get into physical therapy. Any help or advice is really appreciated ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/2 "2008-10-18T02:32:42Z")
This doesn’t answer your question, but until an Illinois Doper comes by with firsthand information, why not ask your doctor? He or she would know about the resources available in your area and be able to tell you what you might qualify for. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/3 "2008-10-18T03:56:25Z")
If the doctor is going to charge you an office call fee that you can’t afford so that you can come in and ask your question, you may have a local “ask the nurse” hotline that may be able to help you. Check the Yellow Pages. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/4 "2008-10-18T04:40:27Z")
Call a physical therapist. Tell them you don’t have insurance. When I was uninsured and needed PT they charged me about 1/3 what they charged people with insurance. Doesn’t hurt to ask. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/5 "2008-10-18T04:43:17Z")
There are clinics in Detroit where the poor can go. Ill . has been hit hard by outsourcing ,so I am sure they have free clinics too. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/6 "2008-10-18T04:43:56Z")
Yeah, what they said. Or reach out to your local congressperson/city council person/representative. Apparently those folks are hanging around all day trying to make the lives of the people in their regions better. You’re a people. Get better! ---
**Author:** ![Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a4c791/32.png) [@Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frustrated_Wonderer)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/7 "2008-10-18T04:48:09Z")
Tough luck man. Canada’s and most of Europe’s health care systems are so much better than the US. And many still argue about this subject. I really don’t get it. In Europe, as many of you know, you can also pay for superior care, but you can get treated by the government for little to no money. I can’t give you any advice, sorry. Good luck to you. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/8 "2008-10-18T18:02:28Z")
How did you do this? Did you do it at work? If so, your company’s workman’s compensation insurance plan should cover you. Talk to a local non-profit hospital. I don’t know what it’s like in Illinois, but at one point when I was without insurance some 20 years ago here in MA, I was able to go to the Chief of Psychiatry at a local hospital for free. It was under free care provisions. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/9 "2008-10-18T18:06:03Z")
Check with your state’s Medicaid program and see if you qualify for it and apply. Before you get a job. ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/10 "2008-10-18T18:20:28Z")
Many schools offer insurance for new graduates for up to 18 months. Call your alumni office and see if you are still eligible to apply. Or if you were covered by your parents during college, see if you are eligible for COBRA from their policy. United Way runs a referral service for people needing human services. Dial 2-1-1 to reach that service. Under some circumstances, parents can add young adult children to their plans. This was part of Massachusetts’ health care reform, I don’t know how widespread it is to other states. As a last resort, perhaps you could re-enroll as a student. Best of luck to you. ---
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/11 "2008-10-18T19:31:07Z")
> [@ptr2void](#): > > How did you do this? Did you do it at work? If so, your company’s workman’s compensation insurance plan should cover you. > > Talk to a local non-profit hospital. I don’t know what it’s like in Illinois, but at one point when I was without insurance some 20 years ago here in MA, I was able to go to the Chief of Psychiatry at a local hospital for free. It was under free care provisions. Unfortunately, I did this playing Rugby on my own. I’m having trouble finding any of these free resources. Any ideas what google terms I should use? ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/12 "2008-10-18T19:51:03Z")
I googled “free medical clinics in Illinois” and found a bunch, but they were mostly in the Chicago area. If I were you, I’d start by calling your doctor’s office, your local Department of Human Services office, and the 211 number suggested by **Harriett the Spry**. ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/13 "2008-10-18T19:56:19Z")
Community Health Center would be a good Google term. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/14 "2008-10-19T14:42:06Z")
Southern Illinois? What County? Check out the home page of the county that you live in. It should have links to public health. While they may not be able to help you directly, they may have some ideas about what you can do. ---
**Author:** ![incidental](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/22d042/32.png) [@incidental](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/incidental)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2008, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/15 "2008-10-19T16:56:24Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > There are clinics in Detroit where the poor can go. Ill . has been hit hard by outsourcing ,so I am sure they have free clinics too. Southern Illinois is a bit more rural than Detroit my friend. Man…I wish I had some advice to give. My grandmother lives down there and I visit fairly frequently, and jeez…the doctor situation is not good. A new GP came to town and people from miles around were lining up to get into her practice. Apparently, if you need to see an Ob/Gyn, you have to drive at least an hour in some regions. My sympathies. I wish I had better advice - I just know how tough it can be out there. ---
**Author:** ![SweetHomeColorado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d26b3c/32.png) [@SweetHomeColorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SweetHomeColorado)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2008, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/16 "2008-10-20T02:28:28Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Southern Illinois? What County? > > Check out the home page of the county that you live in. It should have links to public health. > > While they may not be able to help you directly, they may have some ideas about what you can do. I am in Jackson county. I really want to thank everyone for the help and kind words. It really means more than I could ever type in a reply. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2008, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/17 "2008-10-20T05:01:26Z")
Google medical tourism Thailand. The gist is super-cheap (yet skill/licensed) health care - even for non-citizens. I know a guy online who was in a similar situation, bought a one-way ticket, got fixed up, and stayed there for cheap long-term medical care. The cost of the plane ticket + Thai health care is MUCH less than most domestic alternatives. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2008, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/18 "2008-10-20T05:12:15Z")
[http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm](http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm) Apply for disability. Get treatment now so that you will minimize complications later on. Be very persistent about it. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2008, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/19 "2008-10-20T09:39:39Z")
> [@SweetHomeColorado](#): > > My prorities are; First and foremost I want to get some relief from the awful pain. Second, get into physical therapy. > > Any help or advice is really appreciated Find out from your doctor exactly what is causing your pain and any options suggested. There are many ways of dealing with back problems that people can deal with on a personal level. Are your vertebrae compressed from the injury? Will the bone heal on it’s own and will it cause calcium buildup? ---
**Author:** ![manila](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e5b9ba/32.png) [@manila](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manila)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2011, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480/21 "2011-01-30T11:16:28Z")
Wow… I don’t have any advice as am not a US Citizen. But just want to offer my sincere sympathy and send you some good… no the very best wishes I can!. I really hope you can get fixed up with some help. As an aside I didn’t think that Americans even knew about Rugby let alone play it… league or Union? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-broken-back-and-no-insurance-what-are-my-options/468480.md?page=2)