Funding for Medical Bills

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like cancer is an exhausting process in itself. However, lack of access to proper health care can turn such an illness into a financial crisis. Approximately 63 percent of cancer patients and their families suffer financial stress after their diagnosis.

Considering these factors, the US government has initiated several financial aid programs. These programs intend to help those suffering from illnesses to navigate through healthcare. These government-based programs (and those offered by non-profit organizations) will help in paying your medical bills. In addition, these programs can also aid you by covering other medical expenses.

Moreover, these financial aid programs do not cover one singular illness (like cancer as mentioned). Instead, they will overlook other illnesses or injuries as well.

Types of Programs to Fund Your Medical Bills

Having researched the issue, here we provide programs that offer financial aid to help with your medical expenses. Some of these are more common and well known, and some are a little more obscure. We hope that this can help you if you are in need of financial assistance.

Medicare

Medicare is a governmental program that gives elderly above 65 and certain younger persons with disabilities health coverage or support. A variety of medical requirements or treatments are covered by various Medicare programs.

Various parts of Medicare handle the following:

• Medicare Part A: Certain home medical care, specialized nursing institution treatment, hospice treatment, and inpatient hospitalization.
• Medicare Part B: Control and prevention services, certain doctor’s assistance, outpatient treatment, and health products.
• Medicare Part D: Prescription medications along with immunizations and vaccinations.

Once you sign up for Medicare, you can choose the level of coverage you want. The sole sections of conventional Medicare are A and B. Part D is included in certain alternatives, though.

If you are 65 or turning 65, then click here to apply!

Extra Help

Extra Help is a Medicare addition that enables people to obtain additional assistance. This is offered with their prescription drug expenditures that are often not covered by the standard Medicare plan, which only comprises parts A and B.

Like other healthcare programs, Extra Help also has certain requirements that must be met. This includes that the beneficiary must live in the United States and be a minimal-earning Medicare applicant.

Supplemental Security Income

The U.S. Treasury provides basic funding for the Social Security program known as Supplemental Security Income. As opposed to other Social Security benefits, it is not dependent on employment. To beneficiaries, SSI payments are issued at the beginning of each month. The Medicaid program is available to SSI users in some states, though not all.

The requirement for the SSI is as follows. Beneficiaries must have inadequate access to money and be disabled, blind, or older than 65. Additionally, they need to live in the United States, be residents or authorized citizens, and not leave for more than a complete calendar month.

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act gives people who formerly lacked coverage to healthcare, particularly those who are unable to obtain insurance through their jobs. It is sometimes known as Obamacare.

The following qualifications must be met by applicants: they must reside in the United States and be citizens of the country.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal program that offers low-income individuals health insurance. With even more than 70 million Americans receiving help, it is the biggest insurance insurer in the country.

State-specific eligibility criteria differ and are based on different factors. These include age, employment, household type, and disabilities.

Children’s Health Insurance Program

Families that do not qualify for Medicaid and cannot obtain private insurance have another option. They can receive low-cost medical care through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. The Medicaid-aligned program assists families with children in paying for their medical requirements. Every state has various Medicaid and CHIP eligibility standards.

Organizations to Fund Your Medical Bills

There are a few charitable groups that offer support with medical expenses in conjunction with government initiatives funded and sponsored.

The HealthWell Foundation

The HealthWell Foundation provides access to high-quality care for those who are underfunded. One thing to note is that it operates under the slogan “when medical insurance is not enough.” The HealthWell Foundation offers financial support for medical travel expenses, pharmaceutical copays, and health coverage premiums and penalties.

Patients must meet two criteria in order to be qualified: they must have healthcare coverage of some kind. Plus, they must be undergoing therapy in the United States for a condition that is one of the foundation’s approved ailments.

Patient Access Network Foundation

The Patient Action Network (PAN) provides the money necessary for uninsured patients. Usually, these patients have life-threatening, uncommon, and chronic conditions to compensate for medical treatment. The network offers help with copayments, travel expenses, and health coverage premiums.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify: They must be getting approved medication for a sickness that meets the criteria. Furthermore, they must be below the poverty level in the United States. Lastly, they must also have healthcare coverage. Additionally, they must be undergoing therapy in the US or a US territory; nationality is not a prerequisite.

Patient Advocate Foundation

Case managers who work for the Patient Advocate Foundation offer free assistance to patients. This is in an effort to lessen their financial and emotional load as a result of medical diagnoses. To individuals who satisfy the eligibility requirements, the charity offers funding support and copay assistance.

A persistent, life-threatening, or crippling disease diagnosis or the need for screening consultations for one of these conditions are prerequisites. These are the requirements for receiving case administration services. Additionally, applicants must be citizens of the United States or permanent inhabitants. They must also be undergoing therapy in the country or a US region, or will the next 60 days.

Tips for You When You Can’t Afford Your Medical Bills

Errors can be found in up to 80% of medical invoices. Check for every replicated or unreceived service while checking your bill for mistakes. In addition, search for anything else that your coverage should really have handled as well. You can challenge a payment with the facility or healthcare provider if you notice one that seems incorrect.

You might request to pay a big amount in several smaller, regular installments as opposed to all at once. According to the volume of your bills and your financial situation, you may be able to pay less each month. Asking for a payment arrangement as early as you obtain a sizable bill is recommended in order to start working toward debt relief.

Inform the medical provider right away if you’re having trouble paying your payment. Some clinics or agencies might offer low-income individuals services or incentives that would help cover a portion of the cost.

Providing to pay a sizable amount up advance in return for a lower price is another way to haggle for a concession on your bill. For instance, if you agree to pay the whole cost at once, certain hospitals will provide you with a discount.

Financial hardship should never be a reason to delay medical care, particularly when mesothelioma is a rare and dangerous cancer. Make an appointment with a physician who can guide you through your medication plan, cost options, and available government assistance programs.