How to Apply for Federal Grants for Medical Bills
Healthcare remains one of the most talked-about topics in the country today. There have been significant upheavals and changes in public healthcare regulations in the past recent years.
Many industrial experts believe that the lack of a feasible plan, and the rising cost of medical equipment, treatment and medicine bills are adding to the demand for federal funds for medical expenses.
As the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise throughout the country, increasing numbers of patients suffering from chronic ailments are finding it harder to buy essential medications.
Hence, several state and federal agencies, along with private education and research institutes as well as corporations are now offering grants for medical bills paid.
What is the purpose of Federal Grants for Medical Bills?
Almost all forms of monetary assistance to help bear the cost of medical bills come from government-backed assistance programs or charitable organizations that help pay medical bills.
There are several social welfare programs from the state and federal governments that aim to help patients bear the cost of medical expenses and the cost of buying specific prescription drugs.
These monetary grants are offered as assistance and not as a loan so the beneficiary does not have to worry about repayment of the assistance amount.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the leading source that provides monetary grants and assistance to individuals for bearing the cost of medical treatment and other expenses.
Some of these social welfare assistance programs are aimed at providing federal grants for medical bills exclusively.
Where to apply for Federal Grants for Medical Bills?
The US government provides several federal assistance programs that people with Medicare, with low income and resources below specified limits, can avail themselves of to help bear the cost of medical bills for treatment and prescription drugs.
Where to apply for Federal Grants for Medical Bills
These programs are designed to help the needy save significantly on the expenses of medical treatments and buying pharmaceutical drugs.
Some of the top places to apply for federal grants for medical bills include:
Medicaid
Medicaid is a social welfare program jointly managed by the state and federal governments. Medicaid is designed to provide monetary assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for their medical bills due to low income or disability.
Several criteria are considered before Medicaid releases federal grants for medical bills, including the applicant’s resources and income.
The eligibility criteria for federal grants for medical bills under Medicaid differ from state to state, along with the services covered and the cost of services too.
For more information on eligibility criteria to apply for federal grants for medical bills under Medicaid in your state, you can:
- Call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office
- Visit Medicare.gov/contacts
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Call 1-877-486-2048 (for TTY users)
Medicare Savings Programs
Patients with limited resources and low income can be eligible for one of four Medicare Savings Programs, which are:
QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Program – If eligible, the QMB Program helps patients to pay for Hospital Insurance (Medicare Part A) and/or pay for the cost of Medical Insurance premiums (Medicare Part B). Also, Medicare providers cover the cost of outpatient prescription drugs under the QMB Program.
SLMB (Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary) Program – This is another popular federal grant that pays for medical insurance premiums (Medicare Part B) and covers the cost of prescription drugs.
QI (Qualified Individual) Program – The Qualified Individual (QI) Program also helps to pay for medical bills if covered under an applicant’s medical insurance coverage by providing federal grant money under Medicare Part B. This grant is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To learn more about the specific criteria, regulations and availability of the Medicare Savings Programs in your state and to apply for federal grants for medical bills, you can:
- Call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office (visit Medicare.gov/contacts to get the office number for your state)
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE at 1-800-633-4227
- Call 1-877-486-2048 (for TTY users only)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are cash assistance paid by the Social Security department.
SSI benefits are meant for the blind, seniors (over 65 years of age), disabled persons and individuals with low income or limited resources, especially those who find it hard to bear the cost of medical bills.
To find out if you are eligible for SSI benefits, you can:
- Visit benefits.gov/ssa, and use the “Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool” to check your eligibility for SSI.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 / Contact the nearest Social Security office.
- Call 1-800-325-0778 (for TTY users only)
Conclusion
Several sources provide federal grants for medical bills. Simply use the information given above and get in touch with the relevant department to know if you are eligible to get the state or federal grants for medical expenses.
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