Charities That help with Medical and Hospital Bills – A lot of people struggle with hospital and medical bills which is a leading cause of financial stress and hardship. Accumulating medical debt and hospital bills can be overwhelming. Fortunately, numerous charitable organizations work throughout the country with the sole objective of assisting low-income patients in dire situations and providing them the much-needed financial assistance so that they can meet their healthcare expenses. While using payment plans help to reduce debts, availing useful resources like SSI and other government programs assist low-income families to battle with exorbitant medical builds and treatment costs.
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How To Get Help With Medical Bills?
Getting financial support to pay medical bills will help patients stay out of debt and reduce their economic burden. Following are some options that you can avail to reduce your medical bills.
1. Seek Resources From Doctor
Patients who are unable to cover their treatment and medication costs need to discuss with their healthcare professional and seek their guidance. Your doctor can suggest affordable alternatives based on your insurance coverage and budget. They can also provide you resources like hospital or health group administrators who can connect you with other forms of financial aid.
2. Review Errors In Your Hospital Bills
It is common for a lot of hospital bills to contain mistakes or errors. As per studies around 80% of hospital bills have errors while 63% of hospital bills have coding mysteries. These mistakes can result in unnecessary charges. Read the bill carefully to make sure you’re not paying for any services you did not receive.
Patients are often charged for a full day even though they were discharged in the morning or charged for medicines that were not in use. Double-check all the charges included in the bill before setting up a payment plan with your doctor’s office or hospital.
3. Use Crowdfunding Platform To Pay For Medical Expenses
Crowdfunding is a popular way for thousands of needy families and individuals to get financial support with medical bills and medical treatments which are too expensive for them. You can use an online fundraiser tool to raise money for your medical bills. An online fundraiser will provide you the support of your family, friends, and community in times of need.
4. Apply For the Government Assistance Program
Government Grants To Pay Off Debt are useful and assist individuals with medical bills provided they can meet the eligibility criteria and can fulfill the application procedure within the deadline.
Here are the following places to start with and reduce your medical debt.
- Call your state Medicaid program to see if you are eligible to receive federal or state help.
- Parents belonging to low-income families can provide high-quality medical services for their uninsured children and can reduce their medical debt by applying for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The program is tailored towards children who are not covered under the Medicaid program due to income limitation and are also unable to get private insurance coverage.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration has several resources and programs that offer low-cost and affordable medical care to those who are struggling to pay their medical expenses.
5. Find Help From Nonprofit Charities
Patients who are not sure how to cover their medical bills and treatment can apply for help from nonprofit organizations and charities that are available in the United States of America and are devoted to assisting people who are suffering from specific and diabetic medical conditions.
You can search for medical-focused charities to lower your medical debt. These charities can be beneficial if you are suffering from a chronic condition or disease like cancer that requires ongoing assistance with medical bills.
Read also: Personal Grants for Single Mothers in America
Charities That help with Medical and Hospital Bills
Even though the cost of health insurance is challenging for a lot of families and individuals to deal with in America mainly due to lack of transparency and access a lot of generous charities and organizations assist individuals in getting adequate services and reducing medical information organizations are focusing resources that can help you to cover your medical costs and reduce your burden.
Following are some organizations that can assist you with medical bills.
Patient Advocate Foundation
A nonprofit organization which offers financial support as well as case management services to needy Americans dealing with rare, life-threatening and chronic illnesses is the Patient Advocate Foundation. The organization is committed to addressing healthcare inequalities in the country.
The foundation started out as a response to the hardships faced by cancer patients due to inadequate insurance coverage. Today the case managers of the Patient Advocate Foundation serve to advocate for patients’ access to quality medical treatments within the medical community.
The Copay Relief Program of the charity offers dated financial assistance to patients who can meet the eligibility criteria and assist them with prescription payments. The foundation assists needy American patients who are facing unique health challenges and enables them to afford medication and treatment expenses.
Dollar For
A nonprofit charity known as Dollar For helps to reduce the medical debt for low-income patients. The charity makes sure that the critical lifeline of charity care programs designed by nonprofit hospitals under the Affordable Care Act is known and accessible to all.
The charity comes with a dedicated team that tirelessly advocates for the rights of patients and helps them in the application procedure and other hospitals’ skirting regulations. With the use of technology, the charity has assisted thousands of patients with direct service programs. They have submitted 6500+ applications since 2019 free of cost.
HealthWell Foundation
A premier and independent nonprofit organization in the United States of America known as HealthWell Foundation strives to make sure healthcare facilities are accessible to underinsured groups of Americans who are suffering from life-altering and chronic diseases.
The foundation strives to push the financial gap in healthcare and medical access and provide assistance with deductible coverages, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses. The charity offers patients help with medical bills in the form of prescription copays, pediatric treatment expenditures, health insurance costs like deductibles and premiums, behavioral health services, and incurred travel expenses.
RIP Medical Debt
Medical debt can prevent individuals and families from building credit or growing their savings. RIP Medical Debt is a charity that helps to reduce the medical debt of Texans and enables them to make a fresh start at economic success.
The charity purchases billions of dollars of debt in bundled portfolios at a time. Every dollar donated to the charity raises an average amount of $100 of medical debt for the patients they serve.
The Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund
Looking for Child organizations That Help Children in need? You can turn to the Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund. Operated and run by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Catastrophic Illness in Children’s Relief Fund helps patients, especially children, cover copayments and other medical expenses beyond the amount covered by insurance policies.
The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
A popular national charitable organization known as the Patient Access Network Foundation assists underinsured individuals and families to afford prescription medications and reduce their economic burden. Founded in 2004 the charity offers financial support to uninsured people suffering from rare and chronic diseases and in need of additional aid.
The charity offers financial support of more than $4 billion to millions of patients. Besides it also advocates for better and improved healthcare equity, accessibility and affordability. Patient Access Network Foundation collaborates with generous providers, donors, and pharmacies to assist vulnerable patients and make sure treatment is affordable for them.
The charity raises awareness among healthcare policymakers about incorporating long-term solutions in the healthcare system and gives a chance for patients to only emphasize on their overall quality of life.
Doctors without Borders
One of the largest independent medical relief agencies in the world is Doctors Without Borders. The foundation assists patients who are victims of natural disasters and pandemics.
The foundation reaches out to needy people who have no access to medical supplies because of the complex geographical remoteness. The foundation has a professional team that administers 5000+ assignments every year.
United Healthcare Children’s Foundation UHCCF
UHCCF is dedicated to providing support and financial relief for families with children who are experiencing issues with medical bills. The foundation helps families to cover the costs that are not funded by conventional health insurance programs and in this way provides an important breathing room for vulnerable families.
The foundation has awarded more than 34,000 grants since 1999 and the funding comes through contributions made from individuals, corporations, and UnitedHealth Group employees. The criteria require candidates to be 16 years old below with the Social Security number as issued by the Social Security Administration.
If you are suffering from life-threatening diseases that are not covered by your commercial health insurance plans you can seek assistance from this charity.
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation (CCAF)
A charitable organization that offers cost-free and comprehensive support to patients impacted by cancer is cancer care. The Cancer Care Copayment Assistance Foundation was established in 2008 as a response to uninsured individuals experiencing financial challenges as a result of high copayments and deductibles for prescribed medicines.
The mission of the charity revolves around eliminating the insurance stumbling blocks and financially assisting patients to manage the expenses associated with their medical treatment.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, St. Jude is the third-largest healthcare charity in America and the 15th-largest charity across the globe. The charity raises $750,000,000 every year and contributes 81% of every dollar received to support affected patients.
The organization reduces the medical bills of families with children and admits nearly 7800 children suffering from rare diseases or cancer for clinical research every year.
American Kidney Fund
A nonprofit charity committed to fighting kidney diseases and providing financial support to more than 37 million Americans who are dealing with kidney Illness and are at high risk as the American Kidney Fund. The charity facilitated around 147 monthly kidney transplants in the year 2022 and provided disaster grants worth $1,20,000 to more than 500 impacted patients.
The charity strives to fight against health disparities present in the community which affects those suffering from kidney problems and provides legal advocacy to patients. The charity makes sure that kidney patients in America get the right healthcare offerings in the form of insurance premiums, medical transportation costs, and prescribed medicines.
The safety net grant program of the foundation provides relief to the patients from uncovered medical costs and creates a seamless supportive network for getting kidney dialysis and transplant.
American Red Cross (ARC)
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, American Red Cross places itself amongst the leading nonprofit organizations across the United States. It is not a government agency that relies on the generous donation of money, time, and blood from the public to do its work.
Till 2021 American Red Cross had around 20,053 donors. On average, the organization sends $0.91 of each dollar received on humanitarian services and supportive programs. The American Red Cross was the first to design a nationwide civilian blood program which offers more than 40% of blood products in the United States. The organization reduces the medical debt of patients with its services.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Copay Assistance Program
A leading charity that is dedicated to eradicating blood cancer from the society is Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Co-Pay Assistance Program. It is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the sector which has invested more than $1.6 billion in innovative research work since 1949.
The charity also provides educational services and indispensable support to cancer-affected patients and their family members. The Copay Assistance Program run by charity offers financial assistance to cover insurance premiums and medical expenses.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics uses a staff or volunteer model to provide a wide array of medical and health services to financially disadvantaged patients. The pharmacies and clinics restrict the ability for services to vulnerable patients who are underinsured, uninsured, or have limited or no access to specialty, primary, or prescription healthcare.
NeedyMeds
A nonprofit organization that assists people who are unable to afford medical costs and prescription drugs is NeedyMeds. It is an information source that enables patients to find supportive programs that help them reduce their medical debt.
Patients can search for savings by diagnosis or drug name and can also find low-cost or free clinics. No matter whether you are looking for government healthcare programs or transportation support there are a lot of useful resources that you can find from this organization.
International Medical Corps
Founded in 1984 by Robert Simon the International Medical Corps is a viable resource for patients who are looking for ways to reduce their medical bills. The objective of the International Medical Corps is to be the first responder across the globe.
The charity has a team of 7500 members who work tirelessly to improve the overall quality of life and offer financial assistance and support to the local healthcare system. The offerings of the charity include community health services, hygiene, psychosocial support, food security, and water.
Rx Assist
Similar to the NeedyMeds Rx Assist enables patients to get the lowest price for their prescription medications at their local pharmacy store. The program offers prescription medication discount cards to patients that they can present to their pharmacist.
Aunt Bertha
An online database that can help patients locate a lot of social service programs available in their local area and reduce their economic burden and medical debt is Aunt Bertha.
You just need to input your zip code and the search engine will locate thousands of supportive programs and social service resources in your area that will help you save on medical bills, food, housing, legal services, and transportation.
Aunt Bertha is now known as find help.org which is a social care network and the popular online database from where patients can search for reduced cost or free social and human Services.
Americares Foundation
Founded by Robert McCauley, the Americares Foundation has been working since 1979 and has partnered with international and national networks to provide solutions for medical security and complex health issues and enable patients to reduce their medical debt.
The foundation holds annual events in hybrid modes to spread awareness and attract donations internationally. The organization offers more than 90% of its resources to support healthcare programs and services that reach more than 85 countries every year.
Children’s Health Fund
The Children’s Health Fund provides health services at no cost to children and their families during times of a medical crisis. The singer Paul Simon founded the group in 1987. It provides pediatric health services to underserved communities. Following is the contact details of the charity
Children’s Health Fund
215 West 125th Street, Suite 301
New York, NY 10027
212-535-9400
childrenshealthfund.org
The Access Project
Through The Access Project medical debt resolution program, The Access Project’s mission is to help people save money on their medical bills. To help consumers reduce their debt, this program offers tips and information on how to successfully interrogate insurers and medical providers. In addition, the program offers a list of public assistance programs that offer other useful information. Following is the contact detail of the charity.
The Access Project
30 Winter Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-654-9911
accessproject.org
Medi-Corp Health System
Medic-Corp can help you negotiate with your medical provider to reduce accumulated debt if you need help paying your medical or hospital bills. If you call them ahead of time before you are scheduled for a medical procedure, you may be eligible for their discount program, which reduces your bill by 20 to 60 percent. Following is the contact details of the organization.
Medi-Corp Health System
c / o Mary Washington Hospital
1001 Sam Perry Blvd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540.741.1100
Operation Smile
Children born with cleft lip and palate can receive treatment from surgeons and other volunteers from around the world as part of Operation Smile. A FACIAL DEFORMITY SURGERY will cost about $240 and take around 45 minutes, but it gives babies and children the chance to live a normal life. The organization was established in 1982 and has successfully treated thousands of children.
UNICEF
Globally, UNICEF advocates for children’s health and provides medical interventions, such as vaccines and antibiotics, to children in 36 countries affected by disease, poverty, and conflict. UNICEF is involved in the fight against malnutrition in children and the provision of clean, safe drinking water. The organization works to prevent neonatal and infant mortality due to preventable causes.
Generation Rescue
Generation Rescue provides medical care grants to young people with autism and advocates for those who have been neglected. As part of its for-profit mission, this organization supports trying unconventional treatments, such as chelation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and vitamin and mineral supplements in cases where traditional therapies fail to improve autistic children. The organization provides free visits with physicians who specialize in autism treatment, as well as tutoring, training, and other support services.
Conclusion
When unexpected injury or illness strikes you or your close ones the medical bills can pile up quickly leading you to enormous death. As per reports of CNBC, 6% of bankruptcies in the United States are because of medical issues while 25% of adults incur a medical debt of more than $5000 which they are unable to pay. It becomes difficult to focus on medical treatment when you do not have access to adequate care or if you’re trying to figure out how to deal with an enormous medical bill. If you’re struggling with your medical bills you can turn to Government Grants for Struggling Families and the aforementioned charities and pay your costly medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charities help with medical bills?
There are many national or state charities that help with medical bills. Organizations such as non profits, religious organizations, and churches help local people with hospital and medical bills. Catholic charities help with medical bills Salvation of the US Army provides financial assistance for medical expenses, transportation, housing, prescriptions, and ongoing care.
How to qualify for Veterans’ medical bill relief?
The American Veterans Relief Foundation offers assistance to eligible veterans with medical bills. You can learn more about the AVR Foundation at http://avrfoundation.us/. Modest Needs is a nonprofit organization that helps people with their medical bills.