Help with Insurance Issues

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Examples of service referrals include:

• Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug, and alcohol intervention
• Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs
• Support for older adults and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services
• Support for children, youth, and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services
   

To provide information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, health professionals, employers, and others coping with cancer.

• CLRC offers a national, toll-free telephone assistance line where callers can receive free and confidential information about relevant laws and resources for their particular situation. It is a program of the Disability Rights Legal Center, based in Los Angeles, CA.

• Provides free educational materials on its website, webinars, in-person workshops and trainings on cancer-related legal issues.

To advance access to comprehensive Medicare coverage and quality health care for older people and people with disabilities

• Offers Medicare information by phone and through website
• Offers a variety of products for purchase, such as publications, videos, recorded webinars
• Provides Medicare-related legal assistance to residents of the state of Connecticut
• Advocates nationally on Medicare issues for older adults and the disabled.

To crush medical bills by advocating for and empowering patients

• Directly helps people use hospital financial assistance policies or charity care to overcome unaffordable medical bills.

To host health insurance marketplaces and to provide consumers with information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

• Provides information about health insurance options in each state’s health insurance Marketplace
• Provides information about financial assistance options to purchase insurance in Marketplaces

To reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases.

• As specific disease funds are available, provides financial assistance to underinsured individuals to help with prescription copays; health insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance; pediatric treatment costs; and travel expenses.  Call or check website for eligibility criteria.
• Website provides a resource list with links to other organizations.

To ensure access to quality, affordable health care coverage for older adults and people with disabilities.

• Non-profit consumer service organization offers resources in easy-to-follow language, to help people with Medicare and their caregivers understand their rights and options
• Telephone helpline offers consultation with knowledgeable counselors about a wide range of Medicare-related issues, including how to reduce premium and prescription drug costs and how to appeal a denial by an HMO or Part D plan
• Biweekly newsletter, Dear Marci, offers explanations of Medicare coverage and options
• Offers comprehensive services to professionals who work with people who have Medicare and must understand the "ins" and "outs" of the system.

To provide professional case management services and financial aid 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; may also be assisted by doctors and healthcare attorneys. PAF seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.
• Offers a national financial resource directory and educational publications.
• Offers an annual scholarship program for survivors.
• PAF TotalAssist provides direct financial assistance to insured patients who meet certain qualifications to help them pay for the medication copays, medical insurance premiums and other healthcare costs related to the treatment they need. For details, visit  www.totalassist.org or call 866-512-3861.

To inform people on how to navigate the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits

• Provides information to individuals who are seeking to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or have been denied
• Helps to locate an attorney or advocate who can assist with the process 
• Offers an online forum, blog, and list of helpful resources such as a glossary, FAQs, and disability benefits calculator.

To provide people with a life challenging condition such as cancer or HIV/AIDS with all the practical, legal and financial information they need through the entire continuum after a diagnosis.

• Online resource for information about employment, insurance, finances, government programs, day to day living, medical care, planning ahead, emotional well-being.

To provide free education on legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and caregivers, through events, materials, and resources. 

• Offers free in-person and online educational events, educational materials, and resources on topics such as health and disability insurance, work, education, finances, government benefits, estate planning, caregiving, and more.  
• Provides one-on-one help through a Legal & Financial Navigation program.