Medical problems can not only cause physical pain, but when you don't have the financial resources to pay your medical bills, worry and anxiety can also make you ill. By researching available financial help and finding a program that fits your medical needs, you can start to get well.
Free Eye Exams/Eyeglases
Students from uninsured, low-income families, can receive financial help with free eye exams and eyeglasses through the Sight for Students program. "Since it began in 1997, the program has served over 500,000 children," according to Vision Service Plan.
To qualify for the program, students must be 18 years or younger and not yet high school graduates. Your family's income cannot exceed 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, and either you or your parents must be citizens of the United States or legal immigrants with a Social Security card. Students cannot be covered by Medicaid or have other vision insurance.
Students are recommended for the program through community partners such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Prevent Blindness America and Head Start. These programs give gift certificates to students, which are used for eye services provided by doctors participating in the program.
Cancer Co-Payment Assistance
Cancer patients who have health insurance but cannot afford to pay insurance co-payments for their treatments may be eligible to receive financial help from the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation.
Individuals or families can qualify if their income doesn't exceed four times the federal poverty level. Consideration may also be given to living expenses in your area.
You must be diagnosed with one of seven types of cancer: breast cancer, cancer of the pancreas, colon cancer, malignant brain cancer, cancers of the head and neck, cancer in the lung tissue and renal cell cancer. Your doctor must fill out and sign a verification form confirming your diagnosis.
Treatment must be received in the United States, and any cancer medications must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
You must be insured either by private insurance or through your employer. If you're not covered by either of these plans, you must have Medicare Parts B & D or a supplementary Medicare policy.
Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC recipients receive nutritious food to supplement their meals, as well as advice on eating a nutritious diet.
Pregnant women, infants and children at nutrional risk are eligible for the WIC program. Pregnant women can receive WIC services up to six months after the baby is delivered. Coverage for infants stops on the first birthday, while children's coverage stops on the 5th birthday.
Your income level should be between 100 and 185 percent of federal poverty guidelines. If you participate in state programs such as Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you may also be eligible for WIC.
You must have an appointment with your doctor, dietitian or the WIC clinic to determine your nutritional risk. Conditions such as anemia, eating an unhealthy diet, being underweight, or pregnancy complications qualify you for WIC, according to states' standards.
Women receive monthly food packages with nutritious foods such as juice, cheese, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and peanut butter, according to the nutritional needs of the women and their children.
Tags: federal poverty, financial help, Co-Payment Assistance, federal poverty guidelines, must have, percent federal
