PAYING FOR : MEDICAL NEEDS AND BILLS
"Although the world
is full of suffering...
it is also full of
overcoming it."
-- Helen Keller
*MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AT THE WHOLE PAGE TO GET THE HELP YOU ARE LOOKING FOR .*
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH PROGRAM VERY CAREFULLY .
IT WILL BE A WASTE OF YOUR TIME , AND A WASTE OF THE PROGRAM'S TIME IF YOU APPLY FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO RECIEVE.
For any family going through the hardships of having a loved one with health problems , it can be a huge burden . I know . My daughter has insulin dependent diabetes , my parents have both had cancer , as have 3 grandparents . I have many major health problems myself .
Prayer is important . So is having a good faith base . Find a church that is real and that shows concern for your family.
Find support groups . Check out all the organizations related to your specific health needs . When in the hopital , ask for the medical social worker . Ask for food vouchers so you can get something to eat while being with your loved one in the hospital .
Don't be afraid to ask for help . This is a time when you need support ,and others who have been through this want to help you get through it too .
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06/21/08
A great new resource from our Aidmate Rosie :
It is all about free medical stuff !
http://www.freehealthcaregoodies.com/
Medical credit card , for hearing aids , dental , cosmetic procedures and more medical needs . This is a good option if you can handle the payments. If you can't pay the monthly payments , don't even consider it .
http://www.carecredit.com/hearing/whycc.html
Do you have a major medical challenge ,and you are tired of fighting insurance and health care access problems by yourself ? Try this organization :
http://www.patientadvocate.org/
Check out a medical professional or facility for FREE :
http://www.ucomparehealthcare.com/
Another new resource :
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The National Financial Resources Guidebook for Patients: A State by State Directory of information for patients seeking financial relief for a broad range of needs including housing, utilities, food, transportation to medical treatment, and children's resources.
http://www.patientadvocate.org/report.php
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Here is something that I need to do myself - update my medical I.D. information . This site has 2 ways you can have an I.D. for free.
To Up Date Your Medical Card you have to complete a new card
because MedIDs.com does not retain your medical data.
Medical errors are one of the Nation's leading causes of death and injury. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. This means that more people die from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS. ( Partially because they don't have the right information about the patient-sl)
PRINT OUT YOUR I.D. CARD HERE
HELP PAYING FOR MEDICATION
There are programs that pay for your medication if you are low income. Some fill out paperwork for you . Some direct you to a company that provides the medicine. All are life savers
NEEDYMEDS.
RX ASSIST.
PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
This is also from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance , but this page lists programs specific to each state :
VIEW COMPANIES/PROGRAMS BY STATE
This program helps with co-pays for certain conditions
PAF Co-Pay Relief is assisting patients diagnosed with:
Autoimmune Disorders
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Diabetes
Kidney Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lymphoma
Malignant Brain Tumors
Pancreatic Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Sarcoma
Macular Degeneration
* Assistance may also be available to patients who are experiencing secondary issues as a result of cancer treatment.
The Program offers personal service to all patients through the use of call counselors.
These counselors assist patients throughout the entire application process, screening for eligibility by collecting financial and medical information from everyone who calls to apply for the Program.
For assistance, please call us toll-free at 866-512-3861.
Note
If you are in need of co-pay assistance and are diagnosed with
Rheumatoid arthritis, cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma or receiving therapies for oncology cytoprotection,
you can contact the Patient Access Network Foundation toll free at
(866) 316-7263.
Here is another page from the people at NEEDY MEDS . You look up your disease/condition alphabetically , and it will list organizations that have helpful programs.
NEEDYMEDS SEARCH BY DISEASE/CONDITION
LOOK UP MEDICATIONS
IF YOU NEED TO FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC MEDICINE , THIS SITE WILL TELL YOU FOR FREE :
"Prescription & OTC Drug information for consumers & professionals.
Welcome to Drugs.com, the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date drug information resource available online. Fast, easy searching on over 24,000 prescription and over the counter medicines. "
LOOK UP YOUR MEDS HERE.
CLINICAL TRIALS
This might be a way to get medical help for free , and maybe be paid for your time too. If you want to know what clinical trials are all about , this page from a clinical trial site has a good overview
To find out if you want to consider a clinical trial , here is a page that tells what they are about.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRIAL ?.
Here is a page listing clinical trial by type of medical need .
CENTER WATCH CLINICAL TRIAL SERVICE
Here is another listing of clinical trials sorted by health concern.
CLINICAL TRIALS DOT GOV.
-----------WISH FULFILLMENT FOR ADULTS ! ----
DREAM FOUNDATION
GENERAL HELP
This is a good general help page for financial assistance
This document is divided into five sections, as follows:
Assistance with Paying for Medical Care and Procedures
Financial Aid for Medical Treatments
Assistance with Paying for Medications
Assistance with Insurance Issues
Participation in Clinical Trials
FINANCIAL HELP PAGE.
SEARCH BY STATE
ON THE FOLLOWING WEB PAGE AND YOU WILL FIND TONS OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR PATIENTS IN YOUR AREA.
The National Financial Resources Guidebook for Patients: A State by State Directory of information for patients seeking financial relief for a broad range of needs including housing, utilities, food, transportation to medical treatment, and children's resources.
THE NATIONAL FINANCIAL RESOURCE GUIDEBOOK FOR PATIENTS.
TOLL-FREE NUMBER/CONDITION SEARCH PAGE
Another way to find help is through organizations . This site has an alphabetical conditions' list that will lead you to two things : toll-free numbers and the names of organizations related to the condition.
An example would be to look under diabetes . This might result in a page that included numbers as well as the names of diabetes organizations. When you go to the diabetes organization website that might be listed , you may find links on that page to financial resources for diabetics.
HEALTH HOTLINES BY SUBJECT.
FREE CLINICS
This site doesn't say , but my guess is that these are free clinics. You usually have to wait a long time in the lobby , but I have gone to one ,and the doctor was very kind and supportive. If you don't have a choice , try it. It is much better than letting yourself or loved one suffer.I personally suggest you bring an advocate with you. Someone who can help you navigate things and help you be a SQUEEKY WHEEL ! Also bring a good book , music and headphones , snack , drink. Prepare to camp out for a while.
Need to see a Doctor?
This Web site will help you find a clinic that will give you medical care, even if you have no medical insurance or money.
This Web site provides the address and contact information for clinics that offer Primary Medical, Obstetrical and Gynecological, Dental, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care, Other Types of Medical and Support Services.
FIND A FREE CLINIC WHERE YOU LIVE
Hill-Burton Free & Reduced Cost Care at
hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities are required to provide a specific amount of free or below cost health care to people unable to pay. Eligibility is based on the size of your family and your income. You apply for Hill-Burton care at the facility where you were or will be treated. "
Steps to Apply for Hill-Burton Free or reduced-cost Care
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Find the Hill-Burton obligated facility nearest you from the list of Hill-Burton obligated facilities.
- Go to the facility's admissions or business office and ask for a copy of the Hill-Burton Individual Notice. The Individual Notice will tell you what income level makes you eligible for free or reduced-cost care, what services might be covered, and exactly where in the facility to apply.
- Go to the office listed in the Individual Notice and say you want to apply for Hill-Burton free or reduced-cost care. You may need to fill out a form.
- Gather any other required documents (such as a pay stub to prove income eligibility) and take or send them to the obligated facility.
- If you are asked to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or some other financial assistance program, you must do so.
- When you return the completed application, ask for a Determination of Eligibility. Check the Individual Notice to see how much time the facility has before it must tell you whether or not you will receive free or reduced-cost care.
More about Hill-Burton Free or Reduced-Cost Care
You are eligible to apply for Hill-Burton free care if your income is at or below the current HHS Poverty Guidelines. You may be eligible for Hill-Burton reduced-cost care if your income is as much as two times (triple for nursing home care) the HHS Poverty Guidelines.
MORE ABOUT HILL BURTON AND HOW IT WORKS
teaching hospitals provide care for the uninsured. Just click on your area of the country
MEDICAL CARE FOR THE UNINSURED SEARCH PAGE
help with catastrophic illnesses and other major medical difficulties.Their goal is to help people with long-term challenges.
BEYOND THE RAINBOW DOT ORG
I have included quite a lot of information from the following page, but I thought it was important to see how some people care about other people and the kind way that they word their information makes it very readable.
When A Helping Hand Is Needed Most!
"Catastrophic illness can strike at any time. Unfortunately, unexpected medical crises are a fact of life. The impact that such events have on a family can be devastating on many levels. While most of us do our best to be prepared for such situations, there are always unplanned expenses and responsibilities that arise. Few are completely ready for such a traumatic and painful event.
Sudden illness demands the utmost emotional strength so that the ill or injured family member is given the necessary support to survive and recover. While our emotional reserves in such difficult circumstances often prove to be deeper than most suspect, financial reserves eventually run out. A sudden illness in a family can be as difficult financially as it is emotionally. During those times of extremes, stress, pain, and hope, Pennies from Heaven is there to help.
Time is not the only factor that will help to minimize the chaos that arises from unexpected medical emergencies. Pennies from Heaven works hard to bring financial and emotional stability back into the lives of families affected by unexpected illness or medical emergencies.
We are a small non-profit charity supported solely by tax-deductible contributions. We locate affected families and offer financial and logistical support to assist them in making the long- and short-term care of their loved one easier.
Even families with comprehensive medical insurance coverage incur many out-of-pocket expenses when dealing with unexpected medical events. The cost of eating out at restaurants, the additional gasoline for repeated trips to the hospital, phone calls to family members and physicians, airfare, etc., can all take a serious financial toll. We'd rather that they were able to focus their attentions on supporting their loved one(s) in need rather than on the stresses of sudden and extensive financial responsibilities.
Supporting sick or injured family members can quickly become a financial as well as emotional hardship. Our financial and logistical assistance helps directly with the former while positively affecting the latter. Pennies from Heaven helps those families caring for those who need it the most.
Pennies from Heaven has four programs that allow us to provide logistical and financial aid to family members going through what all of us dread, but many of us must face – a sudden medical crisis. "
Pennies from Heaven Programs
PAYING FOR BILLS $5,000 AND UP
"Christian Financial Ministries is partnered with The Karis Group to help you reduce and repay your major medical bills. The Karis Group provides a safety net primarily for those who are un-insured or under-insured. Over the last seven years, The Karis Group has worked with large groups and thousands of individuals nationwide, to save millions of dollars. If you have a medical bill repayment need, The Karis Group may be able to help you."
GOOD STEWARD MINISTRY HELP
Welcome to the Mesa Angels Foundation
The mission of Mesa Angels Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is to
provide financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to those in critical financial need due to extraordinary circumstances such as medical emergencies, natural disasters or other unforeseen life-changing events.
HOW TO APPLY FOR MESA ANGELS
MEDICAL SERVICE LOOK-UP
Look up medical services available in your area. Search by map or listing.
MEDLINE GO LOCAL
VANS ,ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ,OTHER AIDS TO LIVING
Assistive technology help in every state. Here is a listing of state links for the program near you.
Check out your state and see if it has a reuse/free assistive technology program that you can use for your situation.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY STATE CONTACTS.
LINKS TO 36 MORE ASSITIVE TECHNOLOGY REUSE PROJECTS
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BY STATE
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Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS)
Various services related to disability and assistive technology.
http://www.in.gov/ipas/
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Kansas Advocacy and Protective Services
Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Program, whicHhelps to answer questions and find services related to assistive technology.
http://www.ksadv.org
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A Side note : ------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are differently abled , and you have found a public building that has no access for you , here is a place to fill out a form of complaint :
ACCESS ENFORCEMENT BOARD.
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Guide to Low-Cost / No-Cost Online Tools for People with Disabilities
2005-many still applicable in 2007-SL
This guide was written to provide technology resources that increase access to computers for people with disabilities. The focus here is on low-cost and no-cost on-line resources, organized by category. We believe they will be extremely useful for multiple audiences, primarily: 1) community-based organizations wanting to provide access to technology for people with disabilities; 2) individuals with disabilities or their family members; 3) service providers working with assistive technology.
LOW COST OR NO COST RESOURCES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.
FREE assistive technology of all kinds
"Free assistive technology - Assistive technology (AT) includes high and low technology devices designed to increase the independence of individuals by enabling them to compensate for deficits, enhance self-confidence, and participate more fully at work, school, home, and leisure."
FREE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.
CREATING FINANCIAL OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES . THERE ARE LINKS TO OTHER AID AND SOURCES IN THIS PAPER ALSO.(CLICKABLE ) Pdf format.
FINANCIAL OPTIONS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
COMPUTERS FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS
Share the Technology is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) NJ Nonprofit Corporation.
Our mission to help prevent the premature disposal good, usable computer equipment by providing a way for donors and potential recipients to connect with each other.
Since 1996, we have provided a public service computer donation database that is available around-the-clock for searches of donations available and donations requested. Online forms allow donors to submit offers and donation seekers to submit requests
Who may use our service?
We provide free donation listings to individuals, businesses and corporations with computer equipment to donate
We also give individuals with disabilities free request listings.
What do we charge for our service?
We charge no fees. Our work is supported by the financial donations of interested parties and the people who use our database successfully.
SHARE THE TECHNOLOGY
assistance with equipment
and services for for special health care needs
The SHARE Network
was originally founded in 1999 and went online on February 7th, 2000. Our main goal and mission is to provide an alternative means for obtaining services and equipment for those with special healthcare needs.
PURPOSE - To enable families and friends of persons with special needs to acquire services or equipment without financial restriction. This includes respite, transportation, home help, personal care, equipment and/or any other service an individual may need. Providing education. To allow those who want to make a difference and volunteer their time and skill, services, or equipment, to have an avenue to do so. To provide a means for exchanging equipment or services. To provide a free advertising of low cost or free services and equipment, or services and equipment available for exchange.
GOAL - All those who "need" should be free from a sense of imposing on one another and not be afraid to ask for help. All those who have extra, will "SHARE" what they have. This is our goal. We want everyone who needs services or equipment to have an alternative place to go.
THE SHARE NETWORK
From the Foundation Center
This page has ideas for grants for those with disabilities. NON-EDUCATIONAL
It leads to other pages . It is more of a starting page.
Grants are not necessarily an immediate source of aid.
"Reference Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
If you are an individual with a physical or other disability, and you are looking for information on grants specifically for those with disabilities, this user aid will help you in your search. We have selected a few of the most important print and electronic resources for you to begin your search. "
FOUNDATION CENTER REFERENCE GUIDE FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
LEAGUE OF HUMAN DIGNITY Services
Increasing Your Independence
Advocating for Your Rights
Removing Barriers
Funding Assistance
The League of Human Dignity believes that all of us have the right to decide where we live, work, and play.
At some point in our lives most of us will experience limitations that affect our personal independence. Whether these disabilities are temporary, progressive, or permanent, they should not prevent us from living the lives we choose.
In addition to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, we may also be faced with external barriers. These obstacles to independence may be architectural, social, or attitudinal. They could be personal, work-related, or community-wide barriers.
THE LEAGUE OF HUMAN DIGNITY
MORE WHEELCHAIR RESOURCES , COURTESY OF ELAINE OF TSA ! This is a listing of links to wheelchair organizations. Some are for donating wheelchairs and some are for obtaining a wheelchair for your needs. A great compilation of links .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wheelchair_organizations#Organizations_that_accept_and.2For_distribute_used_wheelchairs
GRANTS FOR THE DISABLED - NON-EDUCATIONAL
Here is a site founded by a very special lady
you might of heard of Joni Erickson Tada , who became paralized from the neck down after a diving accident. They have a special fund for the disabled , and many other wonderful services.
Grants of up to $2,500 nationally and $1,000 internationally are available to individuals, as well as churches and other Christian organizations.
JONI AND FRIENDS
SOMETHING FUN
If you are disabled or know someone who is disabled, and here's a great program for getting free movies. This is especially good for someone who can't get out to rent movies, or doesn't have enough money to buy movies. You have to prove that you're disabled or that you have long-term chronic disease in order to have programs and to movies, but it's worth it if you can prove it, and it looks like they send really good movies! Try this link out and see if you qualify:
MOVIES FOR FREE DOT ORG.
FREE HELP FOR EVERY DAY CHORES AT HOME
What are Adult Home Help Services?
Adult Home Help Services or AHHS, formerly known as Chore Services, provides money to people with disabilities, older adults and people who are blind, to hire someone to help them care for themselves. You must apply for AHHS through your local Family Independence Agency.
AHHS provides funds so you may pay someone to help you with those necessary daily activities you cannot perform without assistance. Some of those activities may include:
bathing,
dressing,
taking medication,
shopping and errands, housework,
laundry, and
meal preparation and clean up.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES.
WHEELCHAIRS
FREE WHEELCHAIRS-SCROLL DOWN AND USE THE LINKS ON THIS PAGE .
THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION DOES NOT DONATE WHEELCHAIRS TO INDIVIDUALS , BUT THE LINKS THAT THEY PROVIDED LEAD YOU TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO.
WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION
The Easter Seals, and other organizations
provide free wheelchairs and other related medical equipment, like
walkers,
commodes,
bathtub rails,
crutches,
transfer benches,
electric wheelchairs and scooters,
on a short-or long-term basis. Some programs may require a refundable deposit
Contact Easter Seals, 230 West Monroe Street #1800, Chicago, IL 60606;
312-726-6200
800-221-6825
JUST AN EXTRA
A GOOD REFERRAL SITE FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES .It is specifically for the Los Angeles area , but you can type in your local zip code. Also , there are great ideas for all of us with disabilities.
Ask Lila
www.asklila.com
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE DISABLED/MEDICALLY CHALLENGED
can be found here :
http://scholarships-for-people-with-disabilities.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/scholarships-for-people-with-disabilities/
DIABETES
The following says it all . Diabetes is an expensive disease !
"Diabetes treatment is expensive. According to the
American Diabetes Association,
people who have this disease spend an average of $13,243 a year on health care expenses.
Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. It's a good idea to start by looking for an insurance plan that covers as many diabetes-related expenses as possible. A variety of governmental and nongovernmental programs exist to help, depending on whether you qualify."
FINANCIAL HELP WITH DIABETES CARE
For more help with diabetes finances , go here : http://financial-help-for-diabetes-care-and-related-conditions.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
AIR TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL HELP
These sites provide information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation .
The National Patient Travel HELPLINE
1-800-296-1217.
OR
PATIENT TRAVEL DOT ORG
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MORE MEDICAL PAGES FOR FREE HELP
HEARING LOSS , TINNITIS AND OTHER EAR/HEARING RELATED NEEDS
Here is a very comprehensive site that deals with hearing loss , deafness , ringing in the ears and many more related subjects . A great place to start if you are not yet diagnosed or newly diagnosed with a hearing/ear related problem .
http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/resources.htm
DENTAL HELP
For free and low cost dental help , try here :
DENTAL ASSISTANCE.
HELP FOR CANCER RELATED NEEDS http://low-cost-and-free-help-for-cancer-patients.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
FREE OR LOW COST Help for eye CARE
exams , very low cost eyeglasses , low vision aids , braille books for children , camps for those with low vision or blind , specialty eye care , eye care for seniors , grants for children and adults and more.
http://free-help-paying-for-eye-care.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/free-help-paying-for-eye-care/
PAYING FOR TRANSPLANTS / PAYING FOR CATASTROPHIC MEDICAL COSTS
http://fund-raising-for-transplants-and-catastrophic-illnesses.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
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