Ultimate List of Charities That Help with Medical Bills and Expenses 2025
Introduction
Medical costs in the United States can quickly become unmanageable, even for those with insurance. Hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and medical devices often lead to financial stress for individuals and families alike. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable charities that help with medical bills, equipment needs, and travel expenses related to healthcare. These organizations provide financial assistance, resources, and support to ensure that critical medical care is accessible to all.
This guide outlines a range of charitable organizations and programs that can help alleviate these burdens. Whether you need help covering a hospital bill, obtaining durable medical equipment, or traveling for specialized care, the information below can point you in the right direction.
Charities That Help with Medical Bills
1. Dollar For
Overview:
Dollar For is a nonprofit organization that advocates for patients by helping them apply for hospital charity care programs. Many hospitals have financial assistance policies (FAPs), but most patients are unaware of them or unsure how to apply. Dollar For simplifies the process and advocates on the patient’s behalf.
Services Provided:
- Submission support for hospital financial assistance applications
- Personalized case reviews
- Guidance through nonprofit hospital charity programs
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility depends on the hospital’s specific financial assistance policy, usually determined by household income, family size, and federal poverty guidelines.
How to Apply:
Patients can start by submitting their information through Dollar For’s official website. The process includes checking eligibility and working directly with Dollar For advocates.
2. Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
Overview:
The Patient Advocate Foundation offers direct services to patients with chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening illnesses. They provide personalized case management, financial aid, and support with insurance-related obstacles.
Services Provided:
- Navigation of insurance appeals and denials
- Co-pay relief for eligible treatments
- Financial assistance with various out-of-pocket medical expenses
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must have a qualifying diagnosis and meet income and insurance-related requirements. Co-pay relief is typically for those insured but struggling with high treatment costs.
How to Apply:
Visit the Patient Advocate Foundation website to explore the support programs and submit an application.
3. HealthWell Foundation
Overview:
The HealthWell Foundation helps underinsured patients afford the costs of critical treatments and services by offering financial grants.
Services Provided:
- Financial aid for prescription medications
- Help with insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-pays
- Specialized funds for pediatric treatments
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility is based on diagnosis, insurance status, and household income (usually up to 500% of the federal poverty level).
How to Apply:
To view currently available funds and apply, visit the HealthWell Foundation’s website.
Charities That Help with Medical Equipment
1. MedShare
Overview:
MedShare focuses on collecting and redistributing surplus medical supplies and equipment to healthcare facilities and communities in need, both domestically and internationally.
Services Provided:
- Donation of medical equipment to nonprofit organizations and community clinics
- Support for individuals through partner organizations
Eligibility Criteria:
Primarily serves clinics and healthcare organizations. Individuals can inquire about specific personal needs and referrals.
How to Apply:
More information can be found on MedShare’s donation request page.
2. Project C.U.R.E.
Overview:
Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries, helping underserved communities and low-resource health systems.
Services Provided:
- Large-scale medical equipment donations to international clinics and hospitals
- Special programs for U.S. patients with documented medical needs
Eligibility Criteria:
Primarily supports healthcare institutions. For individual inquiries, contact is recommended to assess availability.
How to Apply:
Visit Project C.U.R.E. to learn how to request supplies or initiate a partnership.
3. Convalescent Aid Society
Overview:
This organization lends durable medical equipment to individuals at no cost, allowing them to maintain independence and receive care at home.
Services Provided:
- Loans of items like wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hospital beds, and shower chairs
Eligibility Criteria:
Residents of the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys in California.
How to Apply:
Apply directly through the Convalescent Aid Society’s website or contact them for service availability.
Charities That Help with Medical Travel Expenses
1. PAN Foundation Transportation Assistance
Overview:
The PAN Foundation offers transportation grants to help patients reach critical medical care, especially for rare and chronic diseases.
Services Provided:
- Grants of up to $500 for non-emergency medical transportation (bus, gas, train, taxi)
Eligibility Criteria:
Patients must meet income thresholds and have a qualifying diagnosis covered under PAN’s disease funds.
How to Apply:
Eligibility screening and applications can be completed on the PAN Foundation’s transportation grant page.
2. Angel Flight
Overview:
Angel Flight is a network of volunteer pilots and organizations providing free air transportation for individuals needing to travel for specialized medical care.
Services Provided:
- Free non-emergency flights for patients and companions
- Access to rural or distant treatment centers
Eligibility Criteria:
Patients must be medically stable and financially unable to afford commercial travel. Distance to treatment is also a factor.
How to Apply:
Locate your regional Angel Flight partner through the Air Charity Network.
3. HealthWell Foundation’s General Travel Fund
Overview:
This fund supports transportation and lodging for patients traveling to access treatment for illnesses already covered under other HealthWell grants.
Services Provided:
- Financial assistance for travel, lodging, meals, and parking
Eligibility Criteria:
Available only to those with active HealthWell grants. Income and diagnosis requirements apply.
How to Apply:
Visit the General Travel Fund page to check qualifications.
Government Programs for Medical Financial Assistance
In addition to nonprofit organizations, several federal and state programs offer relief for medical expenses:
1. Medicaid
Overview:
Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including seniors and people with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility varies by state but is primarily based on income and family size.
How to Apply:
Visit Medicaid.gov or your state’s Medicaid office to begin the application.
2. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Overview:
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need assistance.
Eligibility Criteria:
State-specific rules apply, but most are income-based.
How to Apply:
Learn more and apply through InsureKidsNow.gov.
3. Medicare Savings Programs
Overview:
These programs assist with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for individuals with limited financial resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility is income- and asset-based. There are different savings programs depending on coverage needs.
How to Apply:
Apply through your state’s Medicaid office or find information at Medicare.gov.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of medical expenses can be daunting, especially when facing serious illness or injury. However, you’re not alone. From hospital bill relief to free transportation and donated medical supplies, the organizations outlined in this guide provide critical support to individuals and families in need.
Start by identifying your most urgent needs—whether it’s help with a bill, acquiring equipment, or traveling for treatment—and contact the organizations that best match your situation. Each has different eligibility criteria, but many are flexible and compassionate in their mission to assist those in crisis.
Explore your options, ask questions, and advocate for yourself or your loved ones. Help is available, and these charities exist to provide it.
