How To Get Help With Medical Expenses

Find out how to get help with medical expenses when you are facing terrifying medical bills. Life happens; families too often find themselves between insurance plans or even between jobs. Unfortunately, illness and injury do not go on vacation when medical coverage lapses. Help can be found with a little patient research. Be your own healthcare advocate. Assuming that there is no help available, or help only for the most poverty-stricken families, is the worst mistake you can make.

1. Begin by speaking honestly with your doctor. Explain that you need help paying for medical expenses. Doctors often offer patients free medicine samples supplied to the office by pharmaceutical firms. Other options may include special office discounts for the uninsured, or the chance to pay over time. Whatever you do, speak up.
2. Search your state’s social services website for specific guidelines and programs available to help you with medical expenses. Programs through organizations like the American Cancer Society provide screening and annual exams. An affiliate program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), showcases several healthcare options on its website. Medical expenses for the uninsured or underinsured can be offset through grant programs and other services the HRSA offers. The website serves as a springboard for information on what programs may suit your individual needs. Take the time to search through the options on the website before you think there is no help available for your medical expenses.
3. Medical expenses like prescription drugs can drain your resources very quickly. Large pharmaceutical companies have begun to take notice of the growing problem many Americans face trying to afford prescription drug costs. Called Patient Assistance Programs, drug firms like Merck, Eli Lilly and Pfizer have increased the availability of free or low-cost medications to people in need. Another option is the Bridges to Access program offered by GlaxoSmithKline. For further information about these programs, simply run the name of one of these or other pharmaceutical  firms through your favorite search engine and follow the links on the company's website.
4. Help is available if you need assistance paying for medical expenses. Organizations, both public and private, offer help for people who cannot do it all alone. Programs and assistance allow you to preserve your good health, which may be your most valuable resource.

Resources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services