Year after year the cost of healthcare steadily rises and very few individuals are financially prepared for a serious illness within their family. Even individuals with health insurance suffer financially from out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

In an effort to help those in need of financial assistance, we have listed several websites that may provide additional information regarding financial assistance.**

Prescription Costs

If you don’t have prescription drug insurance, enroll in a prescription drug discount program such as the one offered by Medical Rewards Network. You can save an average of 20% off the retail price of prescriptions.

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. Visit Partnership for Prescription Assistance for additional information regarding assistance. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

Dental Costs

If you don’t have dental insurance, enroll in a dental discount program. You can save an average of 10% to 50% on most dental services.

Cancer Patients

Anyone who has ever had to deal with cancer knows the staggering financial burdens this disease imposes on both patients and their families. In many cases, private or corporate health insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost. But, for patients without health insurance, financial assistance from both government and private organizations is available.

Helpful sites for cancer patients and their families:

American Cancer Society

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

US Government Information & Resources

Alzheimer’s Family Relief Program

The American Health Assistance Foundation has established the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource. Visit their website at http://www.ahaf.org/alzdis/resource/adrsrc.htm for Financial Aid and additional disease information.

Muscular Dystrophy

Each year, hundreds of people with a neuromuscular disease, and their loved ones, turn to the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation (MDFF) for support. They offer comprehensive support programs to ensure clients' medical and emotional needs are taken care of. The MDFF is the only agency whose mission is to fund adaptive equipment - from wheelchairs to van lifts to communication devices and beyond! Visit their website at http://www.mdff.org/index.asp

Muscular Dystrophy information and resources provided by the Nemours Foundation can also be found at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/muscular_dystrophy.html

Burn Survivors

The Burn Survivor Resource Center is dedicated to assisting injury patients who have been involved in an accident in obtaining affordable medical treatment for their injuries. They provide counseling to patients regarding the nationwide availability of reduced cost or free medical services from various organizations and referrals to those organizations. In cases that qualify, medical treatment may be partially or fully funded. Visit the Burn Survivor Resource Center website for an abundance of information and links for financial assistance at www.burnsurvivor.com.

The Cleft Palate Foundation provides links to numerous organizations that can provide financial assistance for the treatment of a cleft palate. For additional information regarding the services available, please visit www.cleftline.org/publications/financial_assist.

Additional Financial Resources:

Short and long-term financial assistance is also available from many sources, including private and government agencies. You may be surprised by the services available and the enthusiasm with which others embrace your needs.

Explore these private organizations:

• Charitable foundations
• Disease or disability related organizations
• Civic or social welfare associations
• Churches and community groups

Although not all provide financial aid, they may be able to direct you to other sources and services that can help you or a family member.