Going to the doctor's office is a loathsome experience for anyone, but the burden is compounded when you're struggling financially.
With costly insurance often a gateway to adequate health services, low-income individuals and families are often left asking whether their health -- or their child's health -- is worth the financial strain. It's a terrible question to even have to entertain, but an inescapable reality for many.
According to the latest data available from the Census Bureau, about 10% of the U.S. population -- or 33 million people -- remained uninsured as of 2014. Most are low-income, unable to afford access to costly plans along with their regular essential spending.
Though the health care system needs an overhaul toward greater economic accessibility, many low-income individuals and families can't wait until their health takes priority over their bank account. That's when temporary fixes become essential.
As access to smartphones broadens, thanks to dropping prices, more low-income individuals have access to technology that can help connect them to health care via apps. Where the system fails, health-oriented apps succeed, providing speedy health care at low or no cost to those usually struggling for access.
Though it's not a perfect solution, it's an option worth valuing in the absence of adequate care. Here's how health care-based apps are increasing access for low-income individuals, and 10 notable apps worth a download.
Editor's note: While apps can be a quick solution to financially overwhelming health issues, they aren't a replacement for in-person treatment when things get especially tough. If your given concern feels unmanageable, seek out professional medical or mental health care. Ensure your well-being, then tackle the cost later.
Providing virtual doctor visits -- no insurance required
Without health insurance, the cost of any medical visit -- routine or emergency -- can be impossible to finance for low-income families. On top of that, taking time out of work to visit a doctor's office is often not feasible, cutting into already tight finances with unpaid time out of non-salaried work.
For low-income families, getting health care on-demand holds particular importance -- and it's something these apps are catering to in their services.
Seeing the doctor from my couch with @Amwell was epic. https://t.co/Xa6Tc56CoY #MomsLoveAmwell pic.twitter.com/rbu9g4Sjof— kiki comin (@kikicreates) November 21, 2015
AmWell brings experienced health professionals to you via video chat to talk about any health concerns you or your family may be experiencing. Depending on the issue at hand, doctors can diagnose illness, prescribe medication and talk next best steps.
Physicians cost $49 or less to chat with -- significantly less than the $160 an in-office visit costs the average uninsured patient.
Price: Free to download
2. Doctor on Demand for iOS and Android
I love Doctor on demand! Seeing a doctor and never leaving the comfort of home is the BEST! #doctorondemand #sick— Soleful Styles (@JLPaar) December 29, 2015
Providing on-demand video chats in a similar fashion to AmWell, Doctor on Demand helps patients connect with licensed professionals around the clock. Doctors can chat, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for users without insurance as a needed stipulation for service.
Video consultations with a physician have a $40 flat rate, with mental health consultations starting at $50 -- a major departure from costly mental health services, even for the insured. New mothers can also access lactation consultants for a similar fee.
Price: Free to download
Keeping medical information organized in the absence of a primary care doctor
For those with a regular primary care physician, it's expected that they keep your records organized on your behalf. But low-income individuals often hop from doctor to doctor in search of low-cost care, meaning their records are often scattered.
Not only is this inconvenient when trying to get paperwork to new doctors you visit, but it can make it more difficult to pinpoint indicators of persistent health issues. A few apps, however, are putting the power of comprehensive records back in the hands of low-income individuals.
Need to request a Rx refill on the go? There's an app for that! http://t.co/8wyqlb88Lh #Mychart pic.twitter.com/abaEPtsEKt— VidantHealth (@Vidant_Health) December 12, 2014
MyChart takes the information from your most recent health care provider, compiling it within the app for easy access and transferring to a new provider. This app keeps track of medication, immunization history and lab results to help you received comprehensive care -- even if that care is a little scattered.
Price: Free
4. My Medical for iOS or Android
Updates for the iOS version are out, featuring an all-new redesigned look inspired by iOS 7! pic.twitter.com/XZuD1u1oud— My Medical (@MyMedicalApp) March 31, 2014
This record-keeping app allows access to electronic medical records. But it's not just for one individual -- families can keep their records in one central account, which is especially great for parents with small children or caretakers.
Notably, the app has a “translation” feature that explains medical jargon from your records, so you know exactly what everything means. It's also helpful in emergency situations, listing aid information like allergies and emergency contacts for first responders.
Price: Free
Assessing yourself -- and others -- instead of wondering
Whether it's navigating in-the-moment first aid treatment or making the quick decision on whether a costly emergency room visit is actually unavoidable, we're all guilty of self-assessment when it comes to health -- for better or for worse.
For low-income communities, accurate self-assessment is crucial to avoiding high hospital bills without sacrificing well-being. When it comes to this often-necessary evil, access to accurate self-assessment tools created by knowledgeable professionals is essential.
5. iTriage for iOS and Android
The iTriage is like a mini hospital in your pocket. Android: http://t.co/SO3XjhVgsi iOS: http://t.co/pvzM3s6GaU pic.twitter.com/SmCxbHwEHs— IShield (@ishield_in) September 23, 2015
Created by two ER doctors, iTriage gives you medically sound, comprehensive advice and guidance on a host of diseases, conditions and treatments. If your ailment requires in-person attention, users can check rates and wait times at local treatment centers. The app also stores health records for easy access to all of your health information.
Price: Free
6. First Aid by the American Red Cross iOS and Android
Whether you're preparing for a tornado or giving a pet first aid, we've got an app for you: https://t.co/yroZzhhPOF pic.twitter.com/lGArTj1RNw— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) January 8, 2016
From serious to more common injuries and illnesses, the First Aid app gives comprehensive information from one of the most trusted organizations in health care. The app also gives emergency response tips for situations that require immediate action, like choking guides and burn protocols. First Aid is also preloaded, so it's easily accessible even without an active Internet connection or cellular service.
Price: Free
Providing accessible, non-intimidating mental health care
If health care is inaccessible, access to comprehensive mental health care is practically untouchable. We often talk about stigma as the main barrier when it comes to mental health care, but price is an enormous obstacle for many -- low-income or not. Even for the insured, mental health care often brings with it large copays -- if it's even included in your insurance package at all.
For the uninsured, prices skyrocket to rates that leave mental health care feeling more like a luxury than a necessity. But some apps are helping those on a budget to cope without the cost.
7. Optimism for iOS
Anyone downloaded the free Optimism app? It helps track/manage your #mentalhealth http://t.co/k6pQgQBHa5 #mHealth pic.twitter.com/I2oES0q0qT— Health Fast Forward (@Health_FF) September 4, 2015
Designed to help users track their mental well-being independently, Optimism uses mood charting to detect patterns in mental health behaviors, offering advice and coping mechanisms based on those patterns. The app helps users identify “triggers” when it comes to their mental well-being, allowing them to start noticing early warning signs of mental health decline in their own lives.
Price: Free
8. TalkSpace for iOS and Android
I love his little "Houston, I have a personal problem" shirt! Props to our designer #therapy #losethecouch #therapyeverywhere A photo posted by Talkspace (@talkspace) on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:17am PDT
Giving 24/7 access to licensed therapists, TalkSpace provides one-on-one mental health advice, exercises and support for users via text. The service comes at a $25 per week price tag, which is undoubtedly steep for the average low-income family. But if you've hit an unexpected rough patch and need a quick, round-the-clock option, TalkSpace is much cheaper than costly mental health visits without insurance -- visits which can climb to $200 and over depending on the services needed and individual doctor rates.
Price: Free to download with a $25 per week subscription fee
Editor's note: Virtual therapy isn't appropriate for all types of issues. If you're having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for immediate help: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you live outside the U.S., you can find the appropriate resources here.
Providing easy access to medication information
Once you are prescribed medication from a physician, it's largely up to you to handle the cost and consumption. But questions come up, costs can become concerning and sometimes you simply can't afford a follow-up consultation to address it all.
For these situations that low-income individuals navigating medication often face, these apps can help.
9. ScriptSave WellRx for iOS and Android
"My prescription went from $18.79 down to $9.00! That's a 50% savings!" https://t.co/4DjzOFTSvb #medications #pharma pic.twitter.com/k0AVRyEk5s— ScriptSave WellRx (@SSWellRX) November 12, 2015
ScriptSave does the heavy lifting for you when it comes to comparing prices of medication, finding you the best deal in your local area. The average savings, according to the company, are about 50% -- the difference between going with or without medication for many low-income families.
Price: Free
10. Medisafe Medication for iOS and Android
Okay, Medisafe is super cool. Thanks, @TyvaraPanther, for the rec n.n pic.twitter.com/BAXSCKRdbx— Makyo @ FC (@drab_makyo) November 6, 2015
Medisafe keeps your prescriptions -- and your family's medication -- in order, letting you know what pills to take, when and at what dosage. The app also alerts you if people in your self-determined “Network” appear to have forgotten to take their medication, with an option to follow up with a call or text to them.
Medisafe provides coupons for medications you take, and comprehensive information on their side effects and usage guidelines.
Price: Free