Other Resources
As an extension of the Healthcare Survival Guide, this page provides additional
free or low-cost healthcare resources not found in the book. Click on the topic
below to expand the category and browse available services. We are actively adding
to this list, so check back often. If you are looking for something specific that
is not listed, or if you have a resource you would like us to add, please email
us at:
- Addiction
Al-Anon/ Alateen
Al-Anon/ Alateen provide free meetings, online, and phone support groups and services for people living with alcoholics or are affected by the addiction of others.
Alcoholics Anonymous
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, you can search for local meetings using AA’s interactive map online. Meetings are free and open to the public.
- Behavioral Health
Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. Their website has a host of information about mental illness, treatment options, and ways to find discounts on medication.
Mental Health Social Network
Psych Central is the Internet's largest and oldest independent free mental health social network. You can research information on mental disorders, ask questions of the experts, find out about different treatments and drugs, and connect with other patients.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you, or someone you love, are feeling desperate, alone or hopeless you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- Cancer
American Breast Cancer Foundation
Through the Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Assistance Program, the ABCF provides financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients for breast cancer testing and support services.
Geographic Coverage: National
Call: 1-877-Key-2-Life (1-877-539-2543)
Website: http://www.abcf.org
Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund
The AFBCF provides grants to community-based breast cancer programs with the goal of linking medically underserved women to breast health education and screening services.
Cancer Care
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. Programs include counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help and are provided free of charge.
Financial Assistance and Other Resources for People with Cancer
This site from the National Cancer Institute includes a list of resources and links to information on sources of financial assistance for cancer care.
- Clinic
Bureau of Primary Health Care
This is a searchable database of clinics that provide low-cost or free care to people without health insurance. Users can enter an address or zip code, or state and county for a list of clinics in their area.
National Association of Free Clinics
The National Association of Free Clinics is the only national non-profit that provides a range of medical, dental, pharmacy, and/or behavioral health services to economically disadvantaged individuals who are predominately uninsured. Their website allows you to search by state to find free clinics in your area.
- Discount Card
NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program
The NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card program was designed for your uninsured and underinsured county residents. Through a partnership with Caremark, this simple discount card can save an average of 23% off the full retail cost of prescription medication. To qualify, your county must be a NACo member. Visit the website to find out if your county qualifies.
Together RX Access – Discount Card
A free pharmaceutical discount card for those who do not have a pharmacy benefit and/ or do not qualify for Medicare.
- Discount Pharmaceuticals
CVS
Some pharmacies offer prescription memberships which provide the benefit of discounted prescription medications. Some may require a small annual fee.
PatientAssistance.com, Inc.
PatientAssistance.com is a free resource designed to help connect patients who can’t afford their prescription medications with patient assistance programs. We believe that medication should be affordable for all Americans, including low-income families and the uninsured, and our database features over 1000 programs that help make that possible.
Rite Aid
Some pharmacies offer prescription memberships which provide the benefit of discounted prescription medications. Some may require a small annual fee.
Walgreens
Some pharmacies offer prescription memberships which provide the benefit of discounted prescription medications. Some may require a small annual fee.
- Domestic Violence Services
Sakhi for South Asian Women
Services: Crisis Intervention, Support groups, Shelter
Geographic Coverage: National
Call: 212-868-6741
Website: www.sakhi.org
- Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services - Facility Locator
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration website has a substance abuse treatment facility search tool based on location. Type in your city and state on their website, and you will be directed to a page where you can search for services based on available programs, types of care and types of payment assistance.
- Eye Care
American Optometric Association
Group offers a variety of public health services to uninsured and low-income families.
National Eye Institute
The National Eye Institute provides a host of resources and health information about eye care.
- Facility
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care
About 200 health care facilities nationwide provide free or reduced-cost care through the Hill-Burton program. The website includes more information on the program and a list of facilities.
- Healthcare Assistance
CostCo
And as an added benefit to help and guide its members about any insurance questions and concerns, Costco has contracted Health Advocate, Inc. which offers assistance like recommending the best doctor or hospital, answers queries about procedures and medications, etc.
Services: Core Advocacy
Geographic Coverage: National
Call: (866) 695-8622
Website: www.costco.com
- Insurance
Foundation for Health Coverage Education
This organization helps uninsured people find coverage by offering an online database of programs, state-by-state guides, and the Uninsured Help Line (1-800-234-1317)
- Insurance Assistance
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
Locations in: Albany, Buffalo, Long Island (Mineola), New York City, Oneonta, Rochester, Syracuse
- Mobile Care
Connect Care
Connect Care is a mobile truck that is touring the country providing remote connectivity to medical specialists for those in remote areas. Check their web schedule for locations, dates, and times that the truck will be in your area.
Remote Area Medical
The Remote Area Medical® (RAM) Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. Volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense) in some of the world's most exciting places. Medical supplies, medicines, facilities and vehicles are donated.
For a complete schedule of the location of treatment events, check their website: http://www.ramusa.org/expeditions/schedule.htm
- Online
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The centers for Disease Control & Prevention provides extensive information on health statistics, diseases, standards of treatment, and resources available through the federal government.
Health Information: National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health's Health Information provides a searchable database of health topics, including common diseases and treatments.
WebMD
WebMD is a great resource to learn about medical diseases and standard treatments for those diseases. WebMD provides a searchable database of health topics, including common diseases and treatments.
- Pharmacy
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free.
- Prenatal Care/ Family Planning
Maternal & Child Health Bureau – A Healthy Start: Begin Before Baby's Born
This website has information on prenatal care and healthy pregnancy. The toll-free number connects callers to programs in their state that offer medical care, support and advice for pregnant women.
- Rare Disorders
National Organization for Rare Disorders
NORD assists uninsured or under-insured individuals in securing life-saving or life-sustaining medications by working closely with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to ensure that certain vital medications are available to those individuals whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to pay for their prescribed medications.
- Senior Services
BenefitsCheckUp
This is a service that helps find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services.
CVS Medicare Part D
Confused about Medicare Part D and don’t know where to start? CVS has an online savings calculator that will help you compare plans and costs.
- Vaccines
Vaccines for Children Program
This is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. There is information for parents, including where to get vaccines.
- Women's Services
WISEWOMAN – Heart Health for Uninsured and Under-Insured Women
This program provides screening for heart disease and stroke risk factors and lifestyle interventions for many low-income, uninsured, or under-insured women aged 40–64. The website has information on heart health and program locations.