RI Coronavirus: How To Get Health Care If You're Uninsured

CRANSTON, R.I. — If you suspect you have symptoms of the new coronavirus but have no insurance or a primary care doctor to call, a network of resources is standing by to help you find medical care.

The Health Resources and Services Administration is a federal agency that runs a nationwide network of clinics, called health centers, that serve vulnerable populations such as the homeless, migrant agricultural workers, residents of public housing and veterans as well as uninsured people.

HRSA spokesman Scott Kodish told Patch that its health centers work closely with local and state health departments and other providers to screen, test and monitor patients with COVID-19 symptoms but may refer patients with more severe symptoms to local hospitals.

The HRSA's clinics have been instructed to follow the CDC's guidance on dealing with the new coronavirus, including using personal protective equipment and screening patients by phone, text or video conference when possible.

All clinics provide service regardless of patients' ability to pay. They also charge for services on a sliding fee scale.

To find a clinic near you, visit HRSA's Health Center Locator site.

Residents needing care or a COVID-19 test are asked to call their local clinics before showing up to see what if testing is available and which treatments are appropriate.

Some health centers provide COVID-19 testing, and those that don't have been encouraged to coordinate with state and local health departments to refer patients to other testing sites, Kodish said.

The HRSA cautions school-based health centers may not be open or operating based on school closures.

Some states in the US are making it easier to obtain health insurance during the new coronavirus crisis. New York and Maryland have both reopened enrollment for health insurance until April 15.

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