RESCU Foundation
Additional Resources
Here is a collection of additional organizations and agencies that can help you and your family during medical, emotional or financial troubles:
Important Tips
  • Know your rights!
    • Uninsured people are usually over charged.
    • Always ask for a self-pay discount.
    • If your bill looks suspicious, ask a RESCU advocate to take a look!
  • It is a common misconception that those without insurance should go to a county or community hospital in an emergency. On the contrary, the ones known as “good” hospitals are a better choice. Most have financial assistance programs for which people with an adjusted gross income of below $20,000 usually qualifies.
  • WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND that any individual have at least catastrophic insurance coverage.
  • Free Clinics: For a state by state listing of free clinics across the country: www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf www.uniteforsight.org/freeclinics.php
    www.freemedicalcamps.com/
  • Hospitals: Anyone can apply for financial assistance from hospitals. Be persistent, and do not let anyone stop you from trying.
  • Physicians Fee Schedule: Use the 5-digit billing code on your bills to se what Medicare pays the hospitals for services performed. This fee can be used to help negotiate down your bill: www.medicare.gov and www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp
  • Pharmacy Checker: This site compares the vast pricing differences of national and Internet pharmacies. When possible... Go Generic! www.pharmacychecker.com
  • Prescription Assistance: Apply for free or discounted prescriptions from drug manufacturers and other programs: www.needymeds.com or www.pparx.com
  • Teaching Facilities: If you know you are in need of dental or medical care in advance, try calling the local teaching hospitals for reduced rates. Dental schools usually charge patients at least 30% less!

Additional Agencies
  • The Actor’s Fund: Helps with financial assistance for working actors in crisis. Can assist with basic living expenses and medical expenses.
  • The Artists Health Insurance Resource Center: is an up-to-date, comprehensive and unbiased database of health care resources for artists, performers, freelancers and the self-employed. This web site has a state by state listing of all community, private, state and local health resources. It also has links to prescription assistance, hospitals, mental health, legal assistance, and much more in your state."
  • Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF): Provides assistance to help sustain a craft artist’s career when an emergency occurs.
  • CareCredit.com: Up to 18 months at zero % interest for medical, dental, vet, vision, chiropractic and many more.
  • Dial 211: While services that are offered through 211 vary from community to community, 211 provides information about, and referrals to, human services for every day needs and in times of crisis.

    Did you know that 211 is available in 41 states across the country? (211 must be dialed from a landline phone or a payphone.) Even while you travel from state to state and need help, you can turn to 211. This service can link you to help lines for rent & utility assistance, food banks, clothing closets, shelters, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention/rehab, support for persons with disabilities, after school programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services and a wealth of additional support agencies.
  • FindLegalHelp.Org: This site is provided as a public service by the American Bar Association's Division for Legal Services and will guide you to a list of resources in your state including pro bono work for low-income individuals. Most legal issues are regulated by the law in the state where you live, or where the problem occurred.
  • Hill-Burton Obligated Facilities by State and City: Hill-Burton requires that obligated facilities provide free or low-cost health care services to people living in the facility's area who cannot afford to pay for the services. This site lists all Hill-Burton facilities nationwide.
  • United Way: Provides assistance for recovery from any disaster.
    (See "Dial 211")

Other Sites of Interest

If you need help or have questions on any of the above, email
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