Other Insurance and Treatment Resources

ACCESS Program by PSI
The ACCESS Program by Patient Services Inc. (PSI) is a program that “Advocates for Chronic Conditions, Entitlements and Social Services.” ACCESS is dedicated to helping find solutions to the social and economic problems that confront families facing chronic conditions. The program helps families navigate the often complex maze of state and federal entitlement programs, as well as eligibility for health insurance through state high-risk pools and other alternatives, and through group health insurance continuation under federal law (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act – COBRA and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – HIPAA). Call: 888.700.7010.
BenefitsCheckUp
Many older people need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other basic needs. Ironically, millions of older Americans — especially those with limited incomes — are eligible for but not receiving benefits from existing federal, state and local programs. Ranging from heating and energy assistance to prescription savings programs to income supplements, there are many public programs available to seniors in need if they only knew about them and how to apply for them. www.benefitscheckup.org
Family Voices
Information about making informed decisions for children and teens with special heath care needs. www.familyvoices.org
Families USA Program Locator
Search by state to find health insurance assistance programs that help to address questions and problems with Medicare, private health insurance, and access to care for the uninsured. www.familiesusa.org/resources/program-locator
Families USA Resources for Consumers
Information about finding quality health care and how to deal with medical debt. familiesusa.org/resources/resources-for-consumers
GovBenefits.gov
Program descriptions and contact information about federal and state assistance programs. www.benefits.gov
Healthcare.gov
Take health care into your own hands. This Federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that explains insurance options, public programs, and other services in your state. www.healthcare.gov You can go directly to Find insurance options at finder.healthcare.gov
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Find federally funded heath care centers that provide free or low cost care. findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care
In 1946, Congress passed a law that gave hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities grants and loans for construction and modernization. In return, they agreed to provide a reasonable volume of services to persons unable to pay and to make their services available to all persons residing in the facility’s area. The program stopped providing funds in 1997, but about 300 health care facilities nationwide are still obligated to provide free or reduced-cost care. For more information, visit: http://www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton
Insure Kids Now
Links to state child and adolescent health insurance programs. http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

National Patient Travel Center
The purpose of the National Patient Travel Center is “…..to ensure that no financially-needy patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of long-distance medical air transportation.” Patients requiring assistance call: 1-800-296-1217. www.patienttravel.org

NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds’ mission is to be the best source of accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information on programs that help people facing problems paying for medications and health care; to assist those in need in applying to programs; and to provide health-related education using innovative methods. www.needymeds.org

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669). www.pparx.org/Intro.php
Patient Services Inc.
PSI evaluates an individual’s financial, medical, and insurance situation to determine who is eligible for premium OR co-payment assistance. PSI provides help for many illnesses and offers many types of assistance. They recognize that one of the most difficult challenges that face many chronically ill patients is the high cost of co-payment and have recently introduced a pilot co-payment program for patients with PIDD only. If eligible, patients may receive premium OR co-payment assistance. Please note that patients are not eligible to receive both types of assistance. Assistance can be provided for up to one year. If you would like more information or to apply please call 800.366.7741 or visit the website at www.patientservicesinc.org.
RxAssist
Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need. All in one place. www.rxassist.org
SHIP

SHIP is a state health insurance assistance program that provides counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries. They help assist patients in making educated, informed decisions on their healthcare benefits. For more information on your state’s program and contact information please go to
www.seniorsresourceguide.com/directories/National/SHIP/index.html OR www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.asp

State Programs for Children with Special Needs
States offer individual programs which provide medical assistance for children with special needs. These may offer assistance in covering medical expenses, help with finding a diagnosis, and other services depending on the state. http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SCH