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Low cost options if you are experiencing COVID-19 and don't have insurance

CO releases health insurance rate hike requests
Posted at 4:41 PM, Mar 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-20 11:42:17-04

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Many Denver7 viewers have reached out to Contact7 for help with resources because they are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms and don't have health insurance.

If you or someone you know is having a medical emergency like trouble breathing, call 911. Remember to inform them of your symptoms so health professionals can take appropriate safety precautions.

Always call ahead before you go to any doctor or emergency room if you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Colorado is also opening a special enrollment period in which uninsured people can enroll in a health insurance plan and is reminding people that if they lose their employer-based insurance, they’ll have a 60-day window to choose a state plan.

LOCAL FREE AND LOW COST HEALTH PROVIDERS:

STRIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Visit website for important COVID-19 update
(303) 360-6276

INNER CITY HEALTH HAS CLINICS IN DENVER AND WHEAT RIDGE
Modified hours and location information at their website
(303) 296-1767

CLINICA FAMILY HEALTH
Services offered, location information here
(303) 650 4460

CLINICA TEPEYAC
Visit websitefor important Coronavirus information
(303) 458-5302

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department with an emergency medical condition to be screened, stabilized, and treated or transferred to the nearest appropriate facility, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

EMTALA-related medical care costs for uninsured individuals typically are covered through (1) Medicaid payments to hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of uninsured individuals; (2) the individuals who received treatment as self-pay patients; and/or (3) hospitals and independent emergency department personnel providing charity care or writing off debt.

If you are interested in finding health insurance you can visit Colorado PEAK's website to apply for Medicaid, or Connect for Health, Colorado’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace to sign up for coverage in the individual marketplace.