top of page
Medical Consultation

Covering the Cost of Care

Whether you are uninsured, underinsured, or struggling with out-of-pocket expenses, this page is designed to connect you with financial assistance programs, charitable clinics, and other support options to help make care more affordable.

Patient Assistance Programs for Prescriptions

Pharmaceutical companies often sponsor Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) to support individuals without insurance coverage. These programs help cover the cost of medications. You can apply directly through the drug manufacturer’s website. 

​

​

 

In addition, many companies offer manufacturer-sponsored discount or copay cards. These typically require you to have insurance and can reduce your out-of-pocket medication expenses. Ask your provider about these options or contact the drug manufacturer directly.

​​

​

​

You can also ask your doctor if they have samples of a medication or whether there is a generic version available to help reduce costs.

Grants, Disease-Specific Funds, and Other Resources

There are national and state-based grants and funds available to help cover prescriptions, premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. These programs have varying insurance requirements. Some are available to uninsured individuals, while others require insurance coverage. Many of these organizations have even more financial assistance resources available on their websites. 

Clinics and Charitable Care

How to Find Care: 

  • NAFC Clinic Finder: Use this tool to locate charitable clinics and pharmacies. These clinics often provide free or reduced-cost care and help manage chronic conditions.

  • Aunt Bertha / FindHelp: A searchable database of local support resources, including medical and mental health care.

  • Use Google to search for "free or reduced-cost [specialty] clinics near me" to locate providers in your area.

​

Nonprofit Hospitals

Nonprofit hospitals are required to provide a certain amount of charitable care each year. Depending on your income and family size, you may be eligible for free or discounted care through a sliding scale. Even many for-profit hospitals offer financial assistance. Speak with the hospital or provider’s business office to find out what programs are available.

​

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Requirements

The ACA requires hospitals to have a written Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) and a written Emergency Medical Care Policy. These policies must include:

  • Eligibility criteria for financial assistance, including whether care is free or discounted

  • A clear explanation of how the hospital calculates charges

  • Application instructions

Hospitals must make this information publicly available, such as on billing statements or in the hospital lobby.

​

Hill-Burton Free and Reduced-Cost Care

Facilities that received funding under the Hill-Burton Act are required to offer free or reduced-cost care to qualifying individuals. You can apply before or after receiving care. Note that this coverage typically only applies to facility charges and does not include bills from private doctors. 

​​

​​

​

State-Based Resources

Each state may offer unique resources to help reduce healthcare costs, such as grants or pharmacy discount programs. These can often be accessed through your state’s Department of Health.

​

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children and pregnant women in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Contact your state’s CHIP or Medicaid office to apply.

There are many clinics across the United States that offer free or reduced-cost care, including access to prescription medications and chronic disease management.

Affording care can feel out of reach, but there are many resources available to help you get the treatment and support you need. If you are unsure where to begin, consider reaching out to one of the national organizations listed above or searching for local assistance. You got this!

bottom of page