How to Get Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance

1. Medicaid

Medicaid is a social welfare program. It provides government-sponsored health insurance to low-income people. The insurance covers almost all medically necessary services, which means that it's comprehensive.

In most cases, Medicaid is free health insurance for people who qualify. A few states charge small premiums for people on the higher end of the Medicaid-eligible income scale.

In addition to no premiums, there is no or minimal cost-sharing (for example, deductibles or copayments).