Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members. Fundraising is another mechanism to consider. Some patients find that friends, family, and community members are willing to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Contact your local library for information about how to organize fundraising efforts. General Assistance programs provide food, housing, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs.
Funds are often limited.
Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish. Medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies sometimes can be deducted from annual income before taxes. The local Internal Revenue Service office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine medical costs that are tax deductible.