April 8, 2025

What nonprofit organizations can help pay medical bills?

What nonprofit organizations can help pay medical bills?

There are numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting individuals with medical bills, especially for those facing financial hardships due to serious illnesses. Below is a comprehensive overview of some prominent organizations that can help alleviate medical expenses.

Major Nonprofit Organizations Offering Medical Bill Assistance

HealthWell Foundation

The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance for various medical costs, including prescription copays, health insurance premiums, and travel expenses related to medical care. To qualify, applicants must have health insurance and be receiving treatment in the U.S. for a covered disease. Applications can be submitted online.

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation

The PAN Foundation focuses on helping underinsured individuals with life-threatening and chronic diseases by covering out-of-pocket costs such as copays and health insurance premiums. Eligibility requires that applicants fall below the poverty line and are receiving treatment in the U.S. or its territories. They offer nearly 70 specific programs tailored to various diseases.

Patient Advocate Foundation

This organization provides case management services to help patients navigate the financial burdens associated with chronic illnesses. They offer copay relief and financial grants to eligible individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents undergoing treatment in the U.S.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a resource hub that helps individuals find programs for financial assistance with prescription drugs and other medical expenses. They provide information on savings programs, free or low-cost clinics, and transportation support.

Read: What programs help with medical bills, and how do you apply?

CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation

This foundation specifically assists cancer patients with co-payments for treatments and medications. They have a list of covered diagnoses and provide guidance on additional resources if funding is unavailable for a specific condition.

American Kidney Fund

Focusing on kidney disease patients, this organization helps cover health insurance premiums, transportation costs, and other related expenses. They aim to reduce the financial burden on patients undergoing treatment.

Dollar For

This national nonprofit helps patients access charity care programs within hospitals, which can offer discounts or forgiveness on medical bills based on income levels. They work to connect patients with available resources.

Good Days

Good Days provides financial support for individuals with serious illnesses by assisting with copays, premiums, and diagnostic testing costs. Their goal is to improve access to necessary treatments without the burden of overwhelming costs.

Undue Medical Debt

Formerly known as RIP Medical Debt, this organization focuses on erasing medical debt for individuals who cannot afford their bills. They acquire and forgive debts directly from hospitals, providing relief to those in need.

Additional Resources

  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Offers co-pay assistance for prescription drugs related to blood cancers.
  • Rx Assist and Rx Hope: Both provide directories of patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies for free medications3.
  • Family Reach: This organization helps families affected by cancer with non-medical expenses such as housing and food during treatment periods5.

These organizations collectively aim to reduce the financial strain associated with medical care, allowing patients to focus more on their health rather than their bills. Each organization has specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so it's essential for individuals seeking assistance to review these details carefully before applying.

Read: What grants exist for covering medical bills?