🚨 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

If you're facing a medical crisis and can't afford treatment

Emergency Financial Help

When you're facing an immediate medical emergency and can't afford treatment, these resources can provide rapid financial assistance within 24-48 hours.

📞 Emergency Assistance Hotlines

211 - United Way

Dial: 2-1-1

24/7 crisis assistance, emergency financial help, local resources

Salvation Army Emergency Services

(800) 725-2769

Emergency financial assistance for medical bills and basic needs

Emergency Financial Assistance Programs

Emergency Medicaid

For: Life-threatening emergencies, regardless of immigration status

Coverage: Emergency room visits, emergency surgery, emergency dialysis

Apply: At the hospital during your emergency visit

Income limit: Varies by state, but covers very low-income individuals

Timeline: Can be applied retroactively for up to 3 months

Important: Ask hospital social worker to help you apply during your visit

Hospital Emergency Financial Assistance

For: Immediate financial crisis preventing treatment

Coverage: Emergency procedures, life-saving treatments

Apply: Speak to hospital case manager or social worker immediately

Decision time: Often same-day approval for genuine emergencies

What to say: "I have a medical emergency and cannot afford treatment. I need emergency financial assistance."

Your rights: Hospitals cannot refuse emergency care due to inability to pay

Emergency Medication Programs

For: Life-threatening medication needs

Coverage: Emergency supply of critical medications

Apply: Doctor calls pharmaceutical company emergency line

Timeline: Same-day or next-day approval possible

What's covered: Usually 30-day emergency supply while formal application processes

Ask your doctor: "Can you call for emergency medication assistance?"

Local Crisis Intervention Funds

For: Immediate financial crisis assistance

Coverage: Emergency medical bills, urgent medication costs

Apply: Contact local United Way, Salvation Army, or religious organizations

Typical amounts: $500-$2,500 for emergency needs

Timeline: 24-48 hours for approval

Call 211: They can connect you to local emergency assistance programs

What to Do Right Now

🏥 If You're Currently at the Hospital

  1. Ask to speak to a hospital social worker or case manager immediately
  2. Say: "I have a medical emergency and cannot afford treatment. I need emergency financial assistance."
  3. Ask about: Emergency Medicaid, hospital charity care, emergency payment plans
  4. Don't leave: It's easier to get help while you're still at the hospital
  5. Get contact information: Names and phone numbers of everyone who helps you

💊 If You Need Emergency Medication

  1. Call your doctor's office immediately - explain it's an emergency
  2. Ask your doctor to call the pharmaceutical company's emergency assistance line
  3. Go to the emergency room if the medication is life-threatening
  4. Call the drug manufacturer directly - most have 24/7 emergency lines
  5. Ask about samples: Doctor offices often have emergency medication samples

If You Have Immediate Medical Bills

  1. Call the billing department immediately - don't wait
  2. Explain your emergency situation - be honest about your financial crisis
  3. Ask for: Emergency payment plan, hardship discount, charity care application
  4. Request documentation: Get any agreements in writing
  5. Don't ignore bills: Communicate even if you can't pay

Emergency Contact Resources

📞 Crisis Assistance

211

24/7 crisis assistance and local emergency resources

Available nationwide, connects to local services

🏥 Patient Advocates

(800) 532-5274

Patient Advocate Foundation emergency assistance

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5 PM ET

Faith-Based Help

(800) 725-2769

Salvation Army emergency assistance

Emergency financial help regardless of religious affiliation

Emergency Documents to Gather

📄 Essential Documents for Emergency Assistance

Gather these quickly to speed up emergency applications:

Identity & Income:
  • Driver's license or ID
  • Social Security card
  • Most recent pay stub
  • Bank statement
Medical & Insurance:
  • Insurance cards (if any)
  • Medical bills
  • Prescription information
  • Doctor's contact information

Don't delay treatment to gather documents! Apply for assistance even if you don't have all paperwork ready.

Non-Emergency Financial Programs

💊 Medication Assistance

For non-emergency medication needs, explore patient assistance programs.

Medication Programs

🏥 Hospital Bills

Get help with existing hospital bills through charity care programs.

Hospital Assistance

🩹 Medical Supplies

Find assistance with wound care supplies and medical equipment.

Supply Programs

Need Immediate Help Right Now?

Don't wait. Our emergency advocates can help you navigate crisis assistance programs and get immediate financial help.

Emergency Help Request Call 2-1-1 Now