We never intend to get seriously injured or sick. We think that we have the proper medical coverage, but what happens if we don’t. How do we get help paying for unplanned and uncovered medical bills?
Here Are Some Sources for Assistance with Medical Bills.
- Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP): Helps Ohioans at or below the poverty line, who are ineligible for Medicaid, with unpaid hospital bills. To access this program, contact the business office at the hospital where care was provided and request an application.
- Cleveland Clinic: The Clinic has a program to provide financial assistance to patients who qualify. The Clinic also offers interest-free payment plans and other financial options for up to five years for patients who do not qualify for one of their programs. The Clinic also offers financial advisors to help patients understand their options and their potential bill for services. The Cleveland Clinic’s website has an online application.
- Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation: Provides day-to-day financial assistance (such as utilities and rent/mortgage payments) to people who live in or are being treated in Summit County and are being treated for cancer. Contact 330-835-5985 for more information.
- Free Clinic of Medina: Helps people sign up for prescription assistance and help with diabetic supplies and medication. Contact 330-764-9300 for more information.
- Medicare Premium Assistance Program in Ohio (MPAP): Helps Medicare recipients pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Contact the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800-324-8680.
- Medina Care, Inc.: An all-volunteer non-profit organization in Medina County that gives temporary assistance to county residents between 19-59 years old who are having a medical crisis. Contact 330-461-0718 for information or fill out an online application.
- MetroHealth System: Connects patents with programs that may assist with medical costs. Contact the Financial Eligibility Team at 216-957-2325.
- Ohio’s Best RX: Prescription drug discount card to help lower the cost of medications for Ohioans of any age. Contact 866-923-7879 for more information.
- Ohio Healthy Families Assistance: An Ohio Department of Medicaid program for families that include a child or student younger than 19 years old that meets income requirements. The program assists with paying bills for doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital treatments, pregnancy treatments, dental care, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and immunizations. Contact the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800-324-8680.
- Prescription Assistance Program of Lake and Geauga Counties: Helps with medication costs. Contact 440-352-1999 for more information.
- University Hospitals Financial Assistance Program: Patents who meet the financial requirements may have their medical bills for emergency or medically necessary treatment reduced or eliminated. The completed application must be submitted within 240 days of receipt of the first post-discharge bill. Contact 216-844-8299 for additional information.
- LakeHealth Foundation: The organization that supports LakeHealth Hospital System can provide a discount on or eliminate your medical bills for treatment received at LakeHealth. Contact 440-953-9600 for more information.
Remember that it never hurts to ask for help with your medical bills.
Contact Moseman Law Office
If you’re being threatened or have found yourself in debilitating debt because of medical bills, you don’t have to deal with the problem alone. Contact us to discover your options for relief.
Excerpted from the Cleveland Plain Dealer Metro Section, Sunday, December 1, 2019.