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Help With Medical Or Hospital Expenses

You may find that you don't have enough insurance. Or you may be temporarily unable to work or to work only part-time. Difficulties with expenses can cause considerable concern, and this can make coping with your illness seem overwhelming. People are often embarrassed to ask for financial help, especially from the government. Government services are financed by taxpayers, including your tax dollars before you became sick. Your contributions may now help you get through a difficult time. Take advantage of what you are entitled to by law.

1. A hospital financial counselor to help you establish a monthly payment plan for hospital bills.

2. Financial assistance for medications through the American Cancer Society, Area Agency on Aging, or drug company medication programs. You may also qualify for the PACE Card, a Department of Aging prescription payment program for those who have a difficulty paying for medications.

3. Medical Assistance to help pay doctors, hospital expenses, and medications for people with limited incomes and assets (County Board of Assistance, Income Maintenance Help Line).

4. Funds to help with medication expenses for those with leukemia, Lymphoma, or Hodgkin's disease (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

5. Help with hospital and doctor bills and some supplies for those who are eligible for vocational retraining and rehabilitation services. (See Employment Rehabilitation)

6. Social Security and Medicare benefits for people 65 or older. Social Security could begin at age 62 if you choose (Social Security Administration).

7. Disability income for workers under 65 who have been employed for a predetermined time period and who are now disabled (Social Security Disability).

8. Financial benefits and services to honorably discharged veterans of any age (U.S. Veterans Administration, American Red Cross).

1. To obtain help with hospital expenses, contact the financial counselor or business or credit office in the hospital. Also talk with the hospital social worker, patient representative, or credit office if you need more assistance.

2. To obtain assistance with other expenses, contact the agency that offers the services that best meet your needs. These agencies are listed in the Blue Pages of your phone book and in the local resource directory which accompanies this Guide.

   Some of the agencies that provide financial help to pay for medical services and living expenses if you are temporarily disabled are: American Cancer Society (except for direct payment for treatments), local office of Area Agency on Aging, County Board of Assistance, local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, local offices of the Social Security Administration, regional office of the Veterans Administration, and the county chapter of the American Red Cross.

   You may also call the Income Maintenance Help Line (1-800-692-7462). Ask your hospital social worker about which agencies in your area provide financial assistance.

• If your medical bills begin to accumulate faster than you can pay them, don't wait until a crisis occurs to do something about it. Approach your creditors before they have to contact you. Creditors are usually willing to work with you if you have a hardship.

• Be sure to inform the agency workers of all your current expenses so they understand your financial situation.

• Keep track of all items relating to cancer, even transportation, since Major Medical insurance may pay for expenses not covered by your hospital plan.

• Uncovered medical expenses may be deductible on your income taxes.

• If you need help filling out insurance or other medical forms, ask the nurse at your doctor's office or the social worker at your hospital or home-care agency for assistance. If they cannot help, they may refer you to someone who does insurance-claim processing. That person may help you for a fee.

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