Have Health Insurance, But Still Can’t Afford High Co-pays & Deductibles? Try These Resources

Last updated on October 20th, 2022 at 03:53 pm

There are organizations that provide help to people who don’t have insurance, but it seems there are fewer options for people who do have insurance, but can’t afford high co-pays and deductibles that can make medical care difficult or impossible to afford.This is where HealthWell comes in. I recently learned about this organization and what they do, and I knew I had to share!

Their funding is always changing, so click to see who they are currently able to serve and determine if you’re eligible. If you’re not able to get help at this time, I hope you’ll keep checking back with them, since their funding and the patients they can help are always changing.

Since two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy cite medical issues as a key contributor to their financial downfall, and over ninety percent of households have insurance, I think this organization is so needed! I hope you’ll check them out if you are ever in a position where you can’t afford high co-pays for your necessary medication. And, if you don’t need them now, maybe you can donate to them. By the way, HealthWell has been named “one of American’s 20 most efficient charities” by Forbes magazine.

If you are able to donate to HealthWell, here’s an example of how your donation will be used:

And here are a few testimonials from people who’ve received a grant. (There are many on the site.)

“I’m writing to thank you. I was careful all my life. I earned a good living as a librarian, I paid my bills, I have health insurance. I had enough to share a little, and made contributions to various causes. 

After I retired, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My doctors prescribed a drug to prevent a recurrence, but my pharmacist told me it would cost $500 a month. I’m on a fixed income, and I didn’t have that much money. I asked – did I really need this medicine? (Yes, I did.) Was there a cheaper alternative? (No, there wasn’t.) It was pay the money or risk the cancer coming back. 

I’m so grateful my doctors told me about HealthWell. You paid for the treatment, and two years later, I’m still healthy. I will be 72 this year, and life continues to amaze and delight me in so many ways. I travel, I cycle, I give back for all that I have received. I am so fortunate. 

And now I’m glad that I made contributions through my life. Now that I’ve needed the help, I know just how precious it is to receive the kindness and compassion of others. 

Thank you again.”

Another way to get co-pay assistance:

Another way to find help when you can’t afford high co-pays is to check the website of the drug company. They will often have co-pay assistance programs. The companies would usually rather accept your insurance company’s payments and a smaller co-payment from you (or no co-payment), than have you decide not to take their medication because of cost. Doctors don’t always know or don’t always tell you about this, so if you’re unable to afford high co-pays, I urge you to check these websites for savings programs.

If you know of any similar organizations that can help when you can’t afford high co-pays and deductibles, please help your neighbors, and leave a comment below.

Note: I was not asked to write about HealthWell, and all opinions are my own.