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.
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
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."
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")
