![]() ![]() Most also share evidence-based information and the latest research about how to live well with the condition. These groups can put you in touch with others who can provide support and real-world experience of living with your disease. Nonprofit organizations exist for nearly every chronic disease. The following directories can help you locate resources in your community:Įxplore patient support groups. Local health departments and federally funded health clinics can help those with chronic conditions find medical care at little or no cost. The added good news about this program is Medicaid benefits will start retroactive to the date you applied for disability. The process is not easy or quick, but if you are accepted for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will also qualify for Medicaid. ![]() If your disease makes it impossible for you to work, consider this option. See if you qualify for Social Security disability. ![]() When David explained his situation to the patient care coordinator at the company that makes his medication, he was able to apply for and receive his medication free for several months until he could find a long-term solution. You can find this information by doing an internet search for the company that makes your medication, the name of the medication, and the term “patient assistance” or “financial assistance.” Many pharmaceutical companies have programs that can provide financial assistance for the uninsured and copay assistance for those with insurance who are still unable to afford their medication. Look for manufacturer assistance programs. ![]() David’s doctor, for example, gave him drug samples that could tide him over until he found a more sustainable way to pay for treatment. Some may also be able to provide resources and suggestions for other options. For example, they may be able to prescribe a generic treatment or an alternative drug that is less expensive. This will help providers understand your needs better so they can help you stay healthy. While these resources may not be available for all chronic disease conditions, especially those that are rare, you may be surprised how much help is out there if you know where to look.Ĭonfide in your healthcare provider. Sometimes we just need help finding them. When you’re in a situation where you need life-saving therapy, but you can’t afford insurance coverage, there are a variety of resources available to help cover the costs. He could get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace Exchange, but it would cost him more than $300/month. In Texas, a man like David who is not disabled and is under the age of 65, does not qualify for benefits. But the Medicaid program is administered by states, each of which has their own rules and eligibility criteria. Medicaid would cover his wife, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) would cover his two young children. Unfortunately, when he turned to the two health insurance options available for low-income individuals, he fell through the cracks. With a family income of less than $24,000 a year, there was no way David would be able to afford this condition. Along with this, the American Diabetes Association estimates the added annual expense of treating this chronic condition is almost $18,000. The shock of having to cope with a severe chronic condition was bad enough, but now he was faced with having to pay nearly $700 per month just for the medication to treat his disease. David didn’t have health insurance when he was diagnosed with diabetes recently. ![]()
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