how can i receive help for RA if i do not have insurance

I'm not sure if you mean help to find a doctor or help with paying for medications.  First, I would try to find out if your state has a state health insurance program that you can buy into.  I went through a year between law school and finding a full time job with insurance benefits (so I didn't have a doctor either).  My state has a State health insurance program (NOT Medicaid), for people who's employers don't offer insurance and who have been turned down by private insurance companies.  It wasn't that expensive, there wasn't a waiting time for drug coverage or pre-existing condition limitations and I was able to find a doctor and start taking Humira. I just had to prove that I had been a resident for 6 months and that I had been turned down for at least one private health insurance company. I turned in my enrollment denial letters. 

Also, Amgen/Wyeth (makers of Enbrel) and Abbott Labs (Humira) both have assistance programs for people with no or inadequate insurance coverage.  I'm sure other drug companies do as well.  Your rheumatologist should be able to help you get started with those programs or be able to give you contact information.  You can also try the drug website.

You should definitely check with your state to see if they have any plans that either help pay for all or some of the charges associated with treating your RA.  Also I believe that Aetna carries individual plans and does cover preexisting conditions.  I have found you a wonderful health central site that also offers health insurance help.  Here it is:

http://www.healthcentral.com/caregiver/insurance.html?ic=4019.

Now that being said you can also check with the Arthritis Foundation who should be able to help you find someone who works with people who have no insurance.  Believe it or not there are some wonderful people out there who still do.  You can also find out from a doctor or even the arthritis foundation about prescription assistance plans.  Once you have a doctor, or if you already do, they should be able to tell you which of your medications have their own prescription plans.  I know how tough it can be to worry about treatment when you don't have insurance, I was in those shoes for two years.  Keep your head up!  Good luck and best wishes!