Financial Assistance can be used to help a person pay bills, buy food or cover other basic needs. Government and nonprofit programs are available to those who are struggling to get by or are in need of help to start over after an emergency. Whether it is an expensive medical procedure, a lost job or unexpected expenses, these resources can be critical to getting back on your feet.
The federal and state governments offer financial assistance to citizens to help them get by when they need it most. This help is typically in the form of grants or tax credits. Government grants can be applied to help a family with medical or housing expenses while nonprofits offer money for education, research, and community projects.
Many individuals and families are in need of financial assistance to pay for basic life essentials. Whether it is the result of an illness, an unpaid maternity leave or another unexpected expense, these funds can be vital in helping people get back on their feet and find stability.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics provides medical services to individuals with little or no access to healthcare, often due to financial reasons. The organization operates 1,200 clinics across the US that offer financial assistance for medical procedures and other healthcare services.
While there are some restrictions on who qualifies for their programs, it is a great way to get health care when you can’t afford it. The organization has a list of available services, including assistance with dental work, medication and surgery. They also provide advice on how to get health insurance coverage and how to apply for government assistance.
A medically necessary financial assistance discount will be provided on a sliding scale, up to 100% of charges or a full waiver of co-payments and/or deductible after third-party insurance proceeds are applied. Eligibility is based on family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. Liquid assets are not considered in the calculation of eligibility.
In addition to the financial assistance programs offered by hospitals, many state and local governments offer grants and other forms of financial assistance. These programs include SNAP (food stamps), WIC and Get Covered Illinois, the official marketplace for affordable health insurance in the state of Illinois.
The Federal government offers nearly $800 billion in annual grants, which account for more than 20 percent of the Federal budget. These grants can be applied to a variety of activities that touch the lives of every American, from medical research and transportation infrastructure to student aid and public housing. There are over 1,800 grant programs, covering a wide range of topics.