PDA

View Full Version : How do I apply for Charity Care


gskitty
Nov 27, 2006, 06:34 PM
I've tried searching the internet, including the web sites of various local hospitals but I cannot find the information I need. I know that Charity Care is available in Maryland for people who simply cannot pay for medical care. I just need to find out how to apply - is it through the state? Or hospital by hospital?

My brother-in-law, 32 years old, was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He has absolutely no assets and I imagine is no longer working because he has been ill for some time. He hasn't had insurance for years and has no prospect of getting any. Some hospital somewhere had to do a biopsy for him to get diagnosed, and I'm sure they know that they aren't going to get paid. He may have already applied for something but no one, including him, seems to know anything about that.

I would just like to see him get some basic care and help with pain management until he passes. I did find a hospice that claims to not consider a patient's ability to pay in their decision to accept someone for hospice care. I just fear that he might not be sick enough to qualify for hospice just yet.

Anyone have any suggestions? He currently lives in Calvert County, MD

J_9
Nov 27, 2006, 06:37 PM
Has he applied for medicaid or medicare? These are federally funded programs that can help people in his situation. He can contact is local Department of Health and Human Services to get the information needed to apply for these programs.

Fr_Chuck
Nov 27, 2006, 07:59 PM
Yes, he needs to contact the social security admin and apply for disability insurance.

Next or maybe first you need to contact your social services department in your county and apply for medicaid.

In our area any state funded hospital can not turn someone away for their inability to pay. They can of course show you still oweing it, but unable to collect.

J_9
Nov 27, 2006, 08:12 PM
Oops, Fr. Chuck, I got to spread the love some more. I totally forgot about disability!!

Some refer to it as SSDI if I am correct.

I believe that most local health departments have all of the contact numbers that are needed.

haroun40
Jan 18, 2009, 04:18 PM
How do I apply for charity care for children in iraq