I have no health insurance, where do I go?
For when you have no coverage and keep postponing the doctor because of it.
Not having a plan does not mean there is no door. There are options that cost little or nothing, and none require waiting for things to get worse.
Check if you qualify for Vital
The government health plan covers more people than folks think, including working adults. Apply at your town's Medicaid office. Bring ID, proof of income, and proof of address.
330 centers see you with or without insurance
These are federally funded community clinics that charge based on what you earn. They exist across most of the island, covering primary care, dental, and mental health.
Ask for the cash price
Many offices have a self-pay rate that is lower than you imagine, especially for a consultation. Asking costs nothing.
The ER is for emergencies
Federal law requires them to evaluate you even without insurance. But for non-emergencies you leave with a big bill and a long wait. Use the other doors first.
📞 Before you call, have this ready
Two minutes of prep save you weeks of back and forth.
- ✓Have your plan card and ID at hand. The first thing they ask. If it is for a relative, also their date of birth and plan number.
- ✓Ask your primary doctor for the referral first. Many specialists will not book you without one. Request it by phone, do not wait for your next visit.
- ✓Ask these two questions first. "Do you accept my plan?" and "Are you taking new patients?" That saves you the whole trip.
- ✓Ask how long the wait is, and to be put on the cancellation list. Someone cancels almost every week. Whoever is on the list gets that slot.
- ✓Write down who you spoke with and the date. If anything gets tangled later, that note untangles it.
Specialists usually involved here
Each with how many exist on the island, by region and with phone numbers, verified against the federal registry.
Still stuck?
Text El Veci at 787-417-7711, or leave Angel a note in the registry and he will write you back himself.
One important thing, neighbor to neighbor
This is not a substitute for medical advice. We verify public data, but phone numbers, health plans, and availability change. Before you go, call and confirm.
Spotted outdated info? Tell us and we fix it: angel@angelanderson.com