Even if you are not sick, regular health care is important. It can help prevent problems in the future. Getting health insurance is the best way to make sure you can afford health care for your family. You may be able to get low-cost health insurance, even if you work. Look for a doctor you like, who respects you and helps you get the care you need. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and talk about your concerns.
Find Health Care
- AHCCCS is free or low-cost health care. There are many ways to qualify. Your children born in the U.S. may qualify, even if you do not.
- KidsCare is Arizona’s health insurance program for low-income working families. To see if you’re eligible and to get help with enrollment, contact Cover Arizona.
- Community health clinics offer low-cost prenatal care, family planning, vaccines, dental care, mental health care, and testing and treatment for many diseases.
- Some doctors offer lower fees for people without insurance. See the Sliding Fee Schedule Clinics page on the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
- For free or low-cost family planning services, call Arizona Family Health Partnership.
THINGS YOU CAN DO
Know Your Rights
- You have a right to choose your doctor and to change doctors.
- You have a right to see your medical records and to get copies of them.
- If you have a disability, you must be able to get the tests and exams you need. For example, you should be able to get a mammogram even if you use a wheelchair.
- You have the right to understand your treatment and any forms you are asked to sign. Before you sign a consent form, make sure you know what is being done and why. You can decide not to sign. You can ask about other treatments or you can ask for a second opinion.
- If you have a problem getting a service, or your insurance will not pay for it, you can file an appeal. Contact the Arizona Department of Insurance.
In an Emergency
- If someone’s life is in danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You cannot be turned away, even if you have no insurance or money or you are undocumented.
- If someone swallows, inhales or touches anything poisonous or is bitten by a poisonous animal, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
The First Things First Parent Kit was developed in partnership with Health Research for Action/UC Berkeley. © 2018 The Regents of the University of California. Additional video, graphic and other content © 2018 First Things First. All rights reserved.