Medical and Financial Assistance Programs
As the US goes through the current recession and the health care industry continues to spasm while we work toward some sort of meaningful reform, many of you have financial issues intertwined with medical difficulties. There are programs out there to help you. Some of them offer free or low cost medical care or medication, others give emergency rent or utility assistance or even assist with car repair, still others help by providing case management services to help you protect your job in case of chronic illness or disability.
These resources are free. Most of them require you to share your financial details, because they are in place to assist those who need help the most. But they are worth looking through if you are living on the edge. You will have to fill out forms, and when you feel down and out you may feel it isn’t worth the trouble. But it is. Set aside some time in the morning or whenever you feel the most energetic and together, and do a little digging through these sites. You may find help for something you thought no one would help you with.
The first site is called 211. Many cities have a 311 number for information on things like warming and cooling centers and other public health information things. 211 has resources for those needing assistance due to low income, no insurance, not enough insurance, senior care, and other related issues.
Just go to the site, enter your zip code, and there will be a drop down menu for services like dental care, emergency rent assistance, among many others services in your specific area.
Another great resource that you may have to look at to understand just how it can help you is the Patient Advocate Foundation. They can lead you to resources to help you find assistance with paying for medications and treatments, dealing with work or being unable to work, supportive type organizations and all kinds of good stuff. They have free case management services as well, and one of the things they can do is help you protect your job while you deal with chronic health problems. Take a few minutes to dig through the website. It will be well worth your time. They have lists of resources for people with and without insurance.
Please send me an email or leave a message here on the site if you have a specific question.
