A short-list to medical bill help
- Jonna Jerome
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
If you or someone you love is drowning in medical debt, don’t give up. While my handbook goes into far more depth, here's a cheat sheet of organizations and programs that may offer help, even if you’ve been denied before or are just too overwhelmed to know where to start. SO, start here:
☑️ National Programs & Foundations
HealthWell Foundation Helps with premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs for chronic and serious conditions. healthwellfoundation.org
PAN Foundation Support for people with life-threatening, chronic, and rare conditions. panfoundation.org
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation Financial help for cancer patients receiving treatment. cancercare.org/copayfoundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Co-Pay Assistance Aid for patients with blood cancers. lls.org
☑️ Prescription & Pharmacy Help
NeedyMeds Access to discounts, coupons, and free drug programs. needymeds.org
RxAssist A database of patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies. rxassist.org
GoodRx Compare pharmacy prices and find savings without needing insurance. goodrx.com
☑️ Pediatric & Family Support
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Grants for families with private insurance to help cover uncovered medical expenses. uhccf.org
☑️ Hospital & State-Based Financial Assistance
Nonprofit Hospital Financial Aid Nonprofit hospitals are required to offer free or reduced-cost care if you meet income guidelines. Ask the billing office for a Financial Assistance application.
State-Specific Programs Some states have strong protections that go beyond federal law:
California – Charity care required if your income is under 400% of the federal poverty level.
New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, New York – These states have aws requiring hospitals to screen for and provide financial assistance.
(Search “[Your State] hospital financial assistance law” to find details specific to your location.) Call the hospital’s billing department or patient services office and ask:
“Do you have a financial assistance application?”
“Am I eligible for charity care?”
“Can I set up a zero-interest payment plan?”
Don’t Go It Alone
You’re allowed to ask any question you want to advocate for yourself. And if that feels like too much - reach out. I’ve been there, and I’ll do my best to point you toward the help you deserve.