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Financial Assistance - Other
 

Sections:

  • Funds for Medical Expenses

    • Program is closed- The Caring Voice Coalition Financial Assistance Program may pay a portion or all of a patient's share of cost under the patient's health insurance plan. A patient can receive financial support through one of these grant programs

    • Dollar For - national nonprofit that "crushes" hospital bills by empowering patients and advocating on their behalf. They educate patients about hospital charity care programs, help patients navigate the application process, and call out hospitals that don’t follow regulations. Services are completely free.

      Our online eligibility screener helps patients quickly see if they are likely to qualify for financial assistance.

      For eligible people, Dollar For offers self advocacy and full service options to help submit financial assistance applications:

      • Our online manual and automated self-service system walk patients through the step-by-step process of applying for financial assistance.
      • Our dedicated staff of patient advocates prepare and submit applications, then help patients follow up on cases. Dollar for has already helped patients submit over 3,200 charity care applications.

    • Good Days - Co-Pay assistance for patients with chronic disease, cancers or life-altering conditions.

      See list of qualifying conditions (note: status of each fund may change throughout the year depending on funding).

      Co-pays and premium assistance - In some cases, they not only cover the co-pay, but can also help with insurance premiums.

      Travel Concierge Program- helps those eligible with everything from air travel to overnight stays to parking, when medically necessary as determined by the prescribing physician. An appointment with your healthcare provider must already be scheduled.

      To ensure they can accommodate specific travel needs, please enroll in the Travel Concierge Program at least two (2) business days in advance of your appointment.

      Transportation can include travel by ground and air to pre-approved medical appointments. If a treatment or appointment requires an overnight stay, they’ll even cover the expense and help arrange lodging. Secondary expenses such as parking, fuel and meals are covered, too.

      Patient Care Navigators 877-968-7233

      How to Apply and Apply

    • Healthwell Foundation
      --Reduces barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases. Offers financial assistance to eligible patients to cover certain out-of-pocket health care costs, including:
      • Prescription drug coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles
      • Health insurance premiums
      • Other selected out-of-pocket health care costs

    • The National Marrow Donor Program offers financial assistance to those seeking help for the cost of searching the registry www.marrow.org ("Be the Match"). These Search Assistance Funds can help pay the costs not covered by insurance for searching Be The Match Registry of unrelated adult donors and cord blood units.
      Transplant Support Assistance Fund may help pay for some costs during the first twelve months after transplant that are not covered by insurance. Such as
      • Secondary (temporary) housing, including utility bills if you and your family or caregiver need to relocate
      • Food for you and your family or caregiver
      • Parking or mileage for ground transportation
      • Uncovered post-transplant prescriptions and clinic visits and copays
      • Insurance premiums (to continue your insurance coverage)
      Site also has links to other sources of financial assistance: Financial services page.
      For more information or to apply contact a patient services coordinator:

    • National Organization of Rare Diseases 800-999-6673
      --Has co-pay assistance programs for medications for rare diseases and also administers Early Access Programs for investigational new drugs (INDs).

    • NeedyMeds 800-503-6897
      --Needymeds.org is a non-profit organization with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. Their website provides information about government run programs (federal and state), pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs, discount cards and coupons. They also have their own discount card, profits from which strengthen and support their services.

    • Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF) 866-316-7263
      --Provides assistance to patients who cannot access the treatments they need due to out-of-pocket health care costs (deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance).

    • Patient Advocate Foundation 866-512-3861
      --Provides mediation and professional case management services to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses. PAF case managers serve as active liaisons between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters as they relate to their diagnosis, also assisted by doctors and healthcare attorneys.  Patient Advocate Foundation seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability. (Also have co-pay relief program at www.copays.org).

    • Patient Services, Incorporated (PSI) 800-366-7741
      -- PSI may subsidize the cost of health insurance premiums for patients with specific chronic illnesses who meet medical and financial eligibility criteria. PSI also offers copayment assistance, ancilliary assistance, infusion and nursing services, and travel assistance.

    • Prosthetics- Private Foundations

    • The Assistance Fund (TAF)
      --Patient assistance organization that helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses. We currently manage nearly 80 disease programs, each of which covers all FDA-approved treatment for the disease named in the program. Enroll: https://enroll.tafcares.org/ - includes list of qualifying diseases and waitlist status.

    • The United Healthcare Children's Foundation - Grants provide financial relief for families who have children with medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. For more information, see UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation- MGH Community News, November 2018

    • Related: Bridge Loans to help seniors’ families with the cost of assisted living, home care or skilled nursing on a short term basis, while awaiting the sale of a home or the receipt of Veteran’s benefits. Learn more: Assisted Living and Home Care Bridge Loans- MGH Community News, August 2015

    • Also see:  

  • Miscellaneous Funds & Financial Assistance Programs
    • Emergency Financial Assistance - General


        Patient Handouts from the CRC


      We suggest that you refer emergency financial assistance cases to our resource specialists as these searches can be complex and time-consuming. Below are some sample resources.

      • United Way - United Way provides funds to a number of organizations to offer emergency financial assistance. These funds are released quarterly and are generally exhausted well before the end of the quarter. Funds generally are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
        • To find United-Way funded agencies: United Way First Call For Help - In MA call 2-1-1. Can also be reached at: 1-877-211-MASS (6277). TTY at 617-536-5872. Multilingual. Or use their database: www.mass211help.org.
        • Selected United-Way funded agencies in the Boston-area. For more choices contact a resource specialist or contact United Way (see above).
          • Lend-A-Hand Society - Roughly 400 small grants are given each year to needy families and individuals in the Greater Boston area through non-profit agencies. Provides one-time emergency grants no greater than $300. Social service agents must apply on behalf of the person in need--complete the Agency Client Referral Form and send with a cover letter on MGH letterhead to Lend a Hand Society, 89 South Street Suite 203 Boston, MA 02111. This must be mailed (not faxed or e-mailed).
          • Catholic Charities' Basic Needs Emergency Services
          • City Mission Society- Assistance for Boston Residents who are in crisis due to illness, unemployment, low income, or sudden emergencies. Financial assistance is available on a one-time basis to prevent homelessness. Call us at 617-742-6830, ext. 205 to see if we can help.

      • The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance to help with rent and utilities. You do not have to be a citizen to apply. Find a local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center.

      • ModestNeeds.org - Makes Self-Sufficiency grants, Back-to-Work grants, Independent Living grants and small Non-Profit grants. Applicants must have ready access to a computer. The applicant's answers to the questions online will direct them to the specific grant in which they are eligible. Donors view needs on website and assign points; if/when the need reaches full funding the grant is made. Typically takes minimum of 7 days. Most grants provide a maximum of $750.

      • Letters Foundation - CLOSED - Established by siblings Warren and Doris Buffett, the Letters Foundation reads and replies to letters from individuals living within the United States. It is a foundation of last resort that provides humanitarian grants to people experiencing a crisis through no fault of their own, when no other options exist. These one-time grants provide a hand-up to individiuals as they work to stabilize their lives. The Letters Foundation only considers requests from individuals residing in the United States, either citizens or those with documented immigration status. Letters must be written by individuals on their own behalf in a situation of dire need. Letters must be mailed (not emailed ) and must include:
        • detailed description of difficulty and specific request for the item or service needed
        • full name
        • mailing address
        • date of birth
        • email address
        • contact number(s)
        • Mail to:

          • Letters Foundation
          292 Newbury Street
          Suite 503
          Boston, MA 02115

      • Individual Fundraising and Micro loans

         

      • Department Funds - Ancillaries

    • Cars (Financial assistance to purchase, repair or adapt a vehicle)
      • Free Charity Cars claims to operate the largest free non-profit car-donation / distribution program in the nation and has awarded over 9000 free vehicles nationwide. FAQs and Vehicle request form.
      • Good News Garage - Sells donated cars at a significantly reduced price to those in need of transportation to secure employment, or to obtain education, or are at risk of losing a job due to unreliable transportation. Must require his/her own vehicle due to a significantly difficult commute, which may be due to lack of public transportation options or a commute that takes more than 1 hour each way. Programs for residents of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
      • More Than Wheels - Helps people get the best deal on a reliable and fuel-efficient car by negotiating with dealers to secure the lowest price and providing the lowest interest rate available. They provide personal financial education by giving people the tools and knowledge they need to improve and maintain their financial stability. As a result of the new car and empowered with the knowledge and skills, many are able to improve their job prospects, their family’s health and well-being, their credit and overall financial stability. More Than Wheels can also help some with immediate transportation problems with a temporary "Bridge Car."  Offices in Boston, and Manchester, NH.
      • Community Action Rides (CARS) program- the Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) provides eligible residents with a path to car ownership.
      • Car Repair- RAFT funds may be used for employment-related transportation costs, possibly including car repairs, if they allow a household to maintain housing or avoid homelessness.
      • Disabled Veterans or Servicemembers- certain disabled veterans or servicemembers may qualify for a grant to purchase a car, or payment to adapt a vehicle. Fact sheet: Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants.
      • Disabled children- The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund may reimburse for car modifications for disabled children.
      • One may be able to get a low-interest loan for modifications via the MA Assistive Technology Loan Program or find used adaptive vehicles via GetATStuff. More information on these and other programs: see Assistive Technology.

    • Clothing- Free or Reduced Cost


        Patient Handout from the CRC

      Additional clothing resources:

      • Boston area residents-Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): Clothing and Essentials Program. Call 617-348-6000 or locate an ABCD location.
        • Outside of the Boston area?-Locate your local Community Action Agency
      • Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville- Medford and Somerville residents can complete an online form based on what their resource need is and then the group will try to find help for them within the community. 
      • Chelsea Community Connections Coalition- Kids Clothes Closet: Families can call and self-refer. Clothes are available in sizes up to a children's 14/16. Program limited to residents of Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, and Charlestown.
      • For Chelsea Residents- La Colaborativa: Individuals and families can call to check availability which is based on donations. They do not operate a formal clothing program.   
      • Winter Jackets for Kids in Need- Samaritan Steps- MGH Community News, December 2016
      • Solutions at Work - Children's Clothing Exchange and Interview Appropriate Clothing - MGH Community News, November 2007
      • The Hope Chest - Affordable Children's Clothing and Employment for Homeless Mothers (Lowell)- MGH Community News, June 2012
      • Diaper Banks - MGH Community News, January 2013
      • See also Baby Supplies patient handout

    • Debt reduction - Consumer Credit Counseling, Bankruptcy and more

    • Education Grants - See Education

    • Financial Education, Coaching

    • Foreclosure Prevention/Intervention
      • Homeowner's Assistance Fund (HAF) - Pandemic Specific Need Required
        • Last applications were accepted June 30, 2023.
        • As of July 1, 2023 Homeowner assistance is once again available through RAFT.

  • See also: Tenants in Foreclosed Properties

  • Household Goods- See Homelessness Prevention

  • Individual Development Accounts - An individual development account (IDA) is a special matched savings account to help low-income people put money aside for homeownership, education, or a small business. "Individual Development Accounts: Cash for Savings" - MGH Community News, September, 2009.

  • Long-Term Care - Veterans (and spouses) see Veterans' Aid & Attendance Benefit on our Veterans page

  • Taxes

    • The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

      The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a “refundable tax credit” for working, low-income individuals and families. Even workers whose earnings are too small to owe income tax can get the EITC! To get it, one must file a federal tax return with the IRS.

      Massachusetts also has an Earned Income tax credit (EIC). To get the credit, you need to file a state tax return and send it to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The amount of the credit is based on the amount received on the federal EITC.

      The EITC lifts more low-income families out of poverty than any other benefit program.

      Plea for outreach 

      Many families will need to rely on these credits to help them keep up with household bills and even to help stave off more dire situations, such as mortgage foreclosure. They may not realize they could qualify for the credits. Millions of eligible individuals do not file for the credits and ended up forgoing millions of dollars for which they qualify.  Now, when the stakes are so high for struggling families, your involvement in outreach can help ensure that these vital benefits do not go unclaimed.

      More information is on our EITC page.

    • MA Child and Dependent Tax Credit - Including for Undocumented Kids and Those Who Don't Owe Taxes

      As of April 2024, the Department of Revenue (DOR) will now issue temporary tax identification numbers for undocumented children who cannot obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) but are eligible for the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit.

      What this means:

      • Every child under 13, and some disabled dependents/spouses*, who were residents of Massachusetts in the most recent tax year are eligible for this credit of $310 per person (for 2023).
      • There is no income requirement, and a Social Security number is not necessary.

      *A disabled dependent or spouse or a dependent age 65 or over - A dependent or spouse with a disability is an individual who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and who principally lives with the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year. A dependent 65 or over must be someone other than the taxpayer or spouse. (Source and for more info: mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-child-and-family-tax-credit)

      A dependent or spouse with a disability is an individual who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and who principally lives with the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year.

      Why this is important:

      Previously, undocumented children faced challenges receiving the credit because the IRS wouldn't issue ITINs solely for state benefits. Thanks to DOR's decision, these children can now access the financial support they deserve.

      How to take advantage of this credit:

      Parents/guardians of eligible children must file a Massachusetts tax return to claim the credit. There is no deadline to claim the Child Tax Credit for 2023 on your tax return. You can still file and claim the credit even if it's past the standard filing deadline of April 15th, 2024.

      Whether/how one would receive the credit depends on their tax situation:

      • If they filed a tax return and are due a refund: The credit will be included in their tax refund (MA Tax Return will ask for it).
      • If they didn't file a tax return but are not due any taxes: They can still file and claim the credit.
      • If they owe taxes: The IRS may use the credit to offset what they owe, so they may not receive a refund, but it will reduce their tax liability.

      The IRS doesn't check your immigration status when you apply for the Child Tax Credit. If you meet the eligibility requirements and file an accurate tax return, you can claim the credit regardless of your income source.

      For More Information

      For more details on the Child and Family Tax Credit, please visit the Mass.gov website.

       

    • Free Tax Preparation

      Those with low to moderate income, or who are age 60 or older, or have a disability or have limited English proficiency, may be able to get free one-on-one tax preparation assistance for federal and state returns at a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) AARP Tax-Aide site. Volunteer tax preparers at these sites are certified by the IRS. Most sites can e-file tax returns for free.

      VITA and TCE sites are located in community centers, libraries, churches, shopping malls, retirement homes, and similar locations. Sites are open during the tax season, usually from January through April. 

      To find a free VITA or TCE tax preparation site:

      Some sites require an appointment, while others have walk-in hours. See also What to bring with you to the site from the DTA, or Important documents to bring from the AARP.

      Other tax assistance options include free file software and free file fillable forms.

      (See related newsletter articles 2/19, 1/16, and 2/15).

      (Free Tax Prep section rev 2/16)

    • Tax Breaks for Boston Seniors

      There are some ways older residents in Boston can save money on their taxes or receive free tax assistance, which is available to people with low to moderate income, those age 60 or over or who have a disability or have limited English proficiency. For more information, see Tax Breaks for Seniors and Boston Residents, MGH Community News, March 2018.

      •  

    • File an extension for filing and paying Massachusetts income tax

      You may be able to apply for an extension if you're not ready to file your Massachusetts income tax by the due date. The extension must be filed on or before Massachusetts Tax Day and will not be accepted after midnight on that date. Electronic extensions can be filed on MassTaxConnect or paper extensions are filed on:

      For more information, see mass.gov or call Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Tax Departmentat 617-887-6367.

      •  

    • Non-Citizens: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

      Even those without a Social Security Number May be Required to File Taxes. Those required to file income taxes can apply for an ITIN. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS regardless of immigration status. ITIN applicants and holders are protected by privacy requirements that limit the information the IRS can share with other agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Learn more - American Immigration Council

      • MA undocumented children and certain dependents/spouses with disabilities may qualify for a tax credit, even if they don't owe taxes. The Commonwealth will issue temporary tax identification numbers for undocumented children who cannot obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers. Learn more above.
      • Newsletter articles: MGH Community News April, 2014
        • (additional details here: MGH Community News article, January 2017). MGH Community News article, January 2017- Includes information on how ITINs can be useful in immigration advocacy and in other situations.

       

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