Top 9 Charities that Help with Hospital Bills | 2023 Updated (Details Inside)
Medical Charity care is a financial assistance program that aims to provide discounted or free health care to those in need. These relief programs are offered by charities to the hospitals, who in turn help patients struggling to pay their medical bills.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all non-profit hospitals must offer considerable financial help.
More than 57% of the hospitals in the United States are non-profit, and while the ACA formulates the financial assistance programs, it leaves the deciding parameters up to the hospitals.
Therefore to qualify for free health care or discounted medical bills, one must review their policy with their local hospital.
Based on each hospital’s financial assistance guideline, charity care is broadly offered in two categories: eligible uninsured patients who receive a full or partial discount and eligible insured as deductible and coinsurance written off.
In 2017, US non-profit hospitals generated $47.9 billion overall net income and provided $9.7 billion of charity care to uninsured patients and $4.5 billion of charity care to insured patients. Some states, like California, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, etc., have inculcated charity care laws that require hospitals to exempt patients from their medical fees if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Amidst the top charity care offered in the United States, below are 9 exceptional charities that have pledged to provide funds and help patients internationally to live a life full of love and merriment.
9 Best Charities that Help with Hospital Bills:
1. Doctors without Borders
Doctors without borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the world’s largest independent medical relief agency. Active since 1970, MSF, along with its 13 founding members, have made their investment in helping victims in times of pandemic and natural disasters.
It reaches out to those who cannot access medical supplies due to their complex geographical remoteness. The professional team administers more than 5000 assignments a year. As a way of expressing gratitude for all their hard work, the locals volunteer at refugee camps and work in front-line hospitals together as a community.
Despite having more than 34,000 donors and ties with the national government, they maintain neutrality by staying away from political or economic powers.
2. American Red Cross (ARC)
American Red Cross (ARC) was founded by Clara Barton in 1881. It places itself amongst the top volunteering organization across the United States. Not being a government agency implies that it relies on generous donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. In 2021 it had about 20,053 donors.
On average, 91 cents of every dollar is invested in humanitarian services and programs. ARC has made it their vital requirement to focus on collecting detailed demographic and humanitarian data. This accounts for the promotion and development of their intensive clinical research.
They were the first to develop the nationwide civilian blood program, which currently provides more than 40% of the blood products in the United States. More than half a million volunteers, along with 30,000 employees of the Red Cross, assist in the above and other services.
3. St. Jude
St. Jude was founded by Danny Thomas in 1962. As America’s third largest healthcare charity and 15th largest charity overall, it raises 750 million annually and contributes 81% of each dollar to support the patients.
They admit 7800 children with the occurrence of extremely rare diseases or an unusual form of cancer every year for clinical research. These reports are later utilized to yield fresh treatments.
Donors put their faith and dependence not because of their higher success ratio but because of their lovable attitude towards the kids.
4. The Nepal Youth Foundation
The Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) was set up in 1990 by Olga Murray. An ambitious lawyer who provided more than 60,000 children and families with healthcare, shelter, education, and freedom to date.
NYF is empowering thousands in many different ways. They educate Dalit lawyers and offer them scholarships, provide wholesome meals to prevent further malnutrition, and hold counseling sessions to improve kids’ emotional well-being during times of pandemic; their educational guidance fuels the people to support one another and bounce back from the imminent rife.
NYF emphasizes personal bonds to improve the social and cultural development of children. Their transparent finances and sincere goals have been appreciated by Charity Navigator, who scored them a 100 in leadership and cultural community. Their offices in different countries make it easier to reach out via a call, an email, or a visit.
5. International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps was founded in 1984 by Robert Simon with one aim of being the first responder globally. Emergency response work translates to rapid work flexibility.
Their team of 7500 members works tirelessly to improve the quality of life and provide support to local healthcare systems. Their broad aid spectrum covers community health services, psychosocial support, hygiene, water, and food security.
They understand the importance of working from the roots, which allows them to break the intergenerational cycle of usual maladies. With more than 86,000 certifications and 84% financial accountability, they have kept true to their word of improving local communities and making serving easier through their social media pages and website.
After working in more than 55 countries, they are currently active in 31 countries.
6. Americares Foundation
Americares Foundation dates back 43 years to its founder, Robert Macauley. Since 1979 Americares has set up an unexcelled collaborative organization with national and international networks that provide solutions for complex health issues and medical security.
Multiple annual events are held in hybrid modes to achieve the dual purpose of spreading awareness and attracting more donations internationally. The in-depth information about their organization and multiple donation alternatives makes it easier for the donor and receiver to fulfill their purpose.
They have provided more than 98% of the resources to support healthcare programs that reach more than 85 countries annually.
7. Direct Relief
Direct Relief was established in 1948 under the leadership of William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant who began spreading relief parcels containing basic necessities to people rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of World War 1.
It became the third-largest charity in the United States this year by receiving a donation of $1.41 billion. This humanitarian aid organization is active in more than 80 countries to assist those threatened by natural disasters, poverty, or civil disputes.
The Forbes assessment rated them 100% in fundraising efficiency out of the manifold appreciations and awards.
8. Compassion International
Compassion International, a Christ-centered and child-focused foundation, began its holistic approach toward child development in 1952 with Rev. Everett Swanson’s initiative.
Their comprehensive focus is on whole-life care, training, and taking care of kids from prenatal to young adulthood. Since they focus on children, they aim to cultivate meaningful relations between the sponsor and the children they support.
Their website has precise information on the critical cases that requires a larger amount of donations apart from the various ways one can help.
9. Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International traces its roots back to Rev. Edgar Helms in 1902. His philosophy of “not charity, but a chance” revolves around collecting household items, mending them, and donating them to needy people.
Their incredible partners and the local team have successfully changed over 2 million lives. Their proven commitment to providing employment, education, and skill-building opportunities has advanced them to a much broader global scale.
With a 100 rating from Charity Navigator and easy access to widespread donation centers, they attract an average of $60 million.
Final Thoughts
Charities are an integral part of our civilization today. We believe our society is unequal; people are poor as much as the rest are rich. Giving and loving is not easy; it takes a lot to be kind in today’s fierce world. Without charity care, millions more could lose their lives due to their presence in the lower economic strata.
As said, a little goes a long way; the smallest donations to these charities can, in turn, help in medical research to prevent further loss of lives. They are indeed the backbone of a hospital as much as for a patient.
