COLUMBUS, Ohio -- More Americans are cutting back on health care during the rough economy.
Research conducted in the last six months shows that 36 percent of those polled by the Kaiser Family Foundation has put off needed care themselves -- or a family member had.
Almost one-third skipped a recommended test or treatment and emergency rooms are seeing an increase in patients. So where can a person go if they don't have health insurance? What if your co-pay has increased, too?
There is a large network of providers in Columbus that can help people in those situations, NBC 4's Mikeala Hunt reported.
"I think we're finding more patients than we've had in the past that are waiting to get health care," said Dr. John Weiss, of Mount Carmel Health.
For Dr. Weiss and his residents at the Mount Carmel West Internal Medicine Clinic, it's a scary set of circumstances.
The clinic sees many uninsured patients and continues their care with the same set of doctors.
If you've experienced a loss of insurance, you'll need the same type of care.
Dr. Weiss said that first, if you have a primary care physician, call them.
"I know a lot of people are afraid to call. Doctors may say, 'No. I need the money up front.' Just talk to them. Say, 'You know what? I'm on a fixed income,'" Weiss said.
If they can't reduce their fees or get you financial assistance, your options don't stop there.
"There are enough facilities all across the Columbus area where you can go and see a doctor, develop the doctor-patient relationship and they can work with you," Weiss said.
Dr. Weiss said he wants the uninsured or the underinsured to check into the network even before they experience a problem.
"Don't wait until you get sick," he said.
If you wait, you could have a health condition that will get worse. Every major hospital in Columbus offers this type of service.
Below is a map that locates centers will similar programs closest to you:
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