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Financially covering your family’s medical needs can be worrisome, especially if you don’t have insurance. When you or your kids need medical attention or prescription medication, have a plan.

With prescription medication, buy from a pharmacy that has a discount program. Many major retailers, grocery store chains and even drug stores are extending discounted medication to customers. You may have to pay a minimal annual fee, but you get that money back with your first prescription purchase.

Ask to see a list of the medications covered by the discount program and if yours are on the list, go for it.

Emergency rooms are often the first places people turn to when they need medical attention in a hurry. If the medical need is not life threatening, however, consider taking the family to a local walk-in clinic. These facilities provide basic services and they offer them at affordable rates. They do accept most insurance but many uninsured families use them as primary health care givers simply because there is no other option.

Work out a repayment plan with the hospital or negotiate a discounted lump sum payment. There may be other options available to you, so ask what your alternatives are. For smaller medical bills that cost one or two thousand dollars, consider taking out a cash advance to cover the cost.

When the situation calls for an emergency room visit, don’t think twice about it. Get the care your family needs first and think about the costs later. If you’re worried about being uninsured and racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills, talk to a hospital administrator or social worker about taking advantage of charitable donations. Most major hospitals have charity programs—they just don’t advertise them.