[seriousnsad]

I am bipolar 1 and have been unmedicated for some time now. I need to get a new doc, but have no insurance. Does anyone know of any available resources to help? I'm almost desperate!

[mattjstead]

I am speaking from very recent experience (finding out 4 days ago I didnt't have insurance).
Here is the deal. We spend roughly, $150-$300 a month on insurance. Then a Co-Pay for a specialist.
What is really crooked about health care in our country is meds.
There is an App called "GoodRX". It basically lets you look up medications and it gives you "discount cards" to let the pharmacy use. If you can find a doctor willing to work with you and look at options that you can get cheap, sadly, it may not be much more than without insurance. I know, I know...How much more messed up can our health care in our coutnry get.
I would call arond and find a Psych and just explain... I don't have insurance and I need to work to find affordable care.
I've used GoodRX before and it is iPhone and Anroid compatible. Normally a 25%-40% savings from buying at full retail.
Just an idea.
Good luck.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Originally Posted by seriousnsad

I am bipolar 1 and have been unmedicated for some time now. I need to get a new doc, but have no insurance. Does anyone know of any available resources to help? I'm almost desperate!

Well you're in MO. Right?
I start with State services..

Are you a harm to yourself or others? Maybe you should try to go in patient.
If you have a local chapter of NAMI DBSA they can also lead you to resources.
Do you have a regular Dr? If you know what drugs you were previously taking the Dr may be able to write the necessary prescriptions.

It's pretty easy to apply for 'obamacare'. I was on it for a while and it wasn't that expensive or difficult to navigate. And during the time I was on it, I had a psychotic break and was hospitalized. Twice. It was paid for with a minor copay. And my meds were paid for.
I would start there and then start calling around to anyone that accepts your insurance.
If that is too daunting, there should be non profit free/sliding scale mental health clinics in your area.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

You can get name brand meds free through patient assistance programs. If you go to the company that makes the drug and search for patient assistance if it isn't in big letters someone on the splash page then you just fill out the application, your pdoc signs a few things and off it goes. Don't pay strict attention to the criteria; they grant exemptions all the time. Even if you are denied re-apply and send a letter explaining why you need to have the assistance. I do that with the initial paperwork.

Rx Outreach | Patient Assistance Program, Discount Prescription Drugs is a great place to get meds at REALLY discounted prices. When I was uninsured I could often get 3 months supply for what 6 or more months would have cost with just a discount card. It's mail-order and again your dr just signs your application and it really can help.

As far as affording a pdoc maybe try community mental health and see what they say. If you have a low income you may be eligible for disability Medicaid. Job and family services is also a good place to start. Also call around. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a sliding scale place.