Even in this age of Obamacare, getting (and keeping) health insurance can be difficult and pricey.  Even if you DO have insurance,  medical procedures and medications can be costly with copays, deductibles etc.  Never mind how terribly complicated it can all be - call the doctor's office, call your insurance company, call the pharmacy, it's always someone else's fault why you can't get something 'covered'.  In clinical research, health insurance doesn't matter.  It's not required.  We do NOT routinely take a copy of your insurance card (if you even have one).  We won't ask you what kind of insurance you have before we book you an appointment. 

Clinical research studies are funded by the companies that run them.  The invest their monies into these research studies to find new medications and treatments.  They pay for all the costs.  They even pay YOU.  Don't get me wrong, you won't get rich being in a research study but if you do enroll, you will receive compensation for your time and the cost of travel for every visit you make as part of the research.  We pay you as you leave the clinic from your appointment, no waiting for money or wondering if you will ver get paid.  So, don't think that NOT having insurance is a barrier to coming to a research study, it isn't.