Finding help

Finding Help

A chronic disease can stress your family, your finances and your ability to work and care for your home. Fortunately there are many sources of help right in your own community. Here are some worth checking out.

High Medical Bills

Depending on your family income you may be eligible for a wide range of government and private programs, including Medicaid (Medicaid.gov) , tax credits through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), individual hospitals and health systems (nonprofit hospitals are required to have a policy regarding low-income patients) and pharmaceutical manufacturers (RxAssist.org).

Household bills

If a chronic disease leaves you unable to work or if high medical bills make it difficult to pay for basic expenses such as groceries and utilities, most communities have programs that offer help. Check with your individual utilities to ask if they offer assistance or, at the very least, will work with you on budget billing and an easier-to-manage payment plan. Some places of worship also offer assistance short-term with expenses such as mortgage and utility payments and even automobile repairs. If yours doesn’t, check with some of the larger churches in your area. In many cases, you don’t need to be a member to receive help. Community and church-based food banks may also provide groceries and sometimes toiletries such as deodorant and toothpaste.

Childcare

Most childcare centers require to you to pay for full-time care, even if you are no longer able to work full time or earn a full-time salary. Many states offer childcare subsidies that may help. Although the requirements differ by state, many require that you either be in school or work at least 24 hours per week. To find out about programs in your area, search childcare assistance online or check with your local Department of Family and Children’s services.

Education

If you are considering a new career that would be more fulfilling or offer more flexibility, education may be more affordable than you think. Many state and federal programs, including the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (studentaid.ed.gov) offer assistance with tuition for adults returning to college. Community associations, foundations and societies offer scholarships and grants to older students. If you are 55 or older you may be able to return to college for free, as many state colleges, technical colleges and universities waive tuition for older students.

Counseling

If the daily stresses of a chronic disease are affecting your sense of wellbeing and relationships, seeing a professional counselor may help. Many health insurance policies cover counseling. If yours does you may receive a list of covered counselors from your insurer. You may also receive affordable counseling at your place of worship, a community organization or a college or university that offers a counseling or psychology degrees.