You and your loved one may be eligible for financial resources. It will be important that you start this early as it can take time to get these services.
Tips and Resources
There are several financial resources available. These can vary from state to state but the information below can help you know how and where to begin. It is important to understand what you will need to put in place financially as early as possible so that you can get some of the resources and complete applications as quickly as possible. Your social worker or case worker in the different facilities can help with this.
Ten Ways to Stay Financially Afloat After TBI
From BrainLine
Financial assistance can come in different ways from various organizations:
- Federal and state government programs
- Medication assistance programs
- Transportation assistance
- Not-for-profit community groups
- Religious organizations
- Fundraising events that can help with medical costs
- Services are based on the state, city, and town in which you live in
Each program will have specific requirements that you will need to check on. Many require you to fill out applications. Make sure you have medical records as many of these programs will want this.
Federal Financial Resources
You may qualify for resources at the federal level. Your case manager or social worker can offer you more information on these programs and resources.
How can I get money for day-to-day expenses?
This can be hard when your loved one has no income and you have their bills to pay. There are resources to help, for example, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Below are some options that can help in the interim.
- Social Security Income (SSI) is a benefit available if you meet some low-income guidelines.
This list details the types of social security income available based on income and other factors.
Social Security Income and Retirement
From Benefits.gov - Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a benefit available to people who become disabled and have some work history.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
From Benefits.gov
How can I get medical care when my loved one has no health insurance?
Getting medical care for your loved one if they do not have health insurance can be difficult at first but there are some options later to be aware of that can help with medical care options.
Medicare
Medicare is the nation’s largest medical health insurance program. You can get Medicare if you are:
- 65 years or older
- If you have been getting Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for two or more years. While this is a long time there are also state insurance programs to help you sooner.
Medicare Program
From Benefits.gov
Affordable Care Act
You can get health care from government health insurance companies at a low cost. Look closely at the plans as they vary greatly in what benefits are included. This is important to know as your loved one may have many needs for medical services.
See below for some plans.
Find Affordable Health Care Today
From ObamacarePlans.com
What kind of health care insurance is available in my state?
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program. It is for low-income people who do not have health insurance. People who are eligible for Medicaid include, for example: You are eligible for Medicaid if you meet certain financial requirements such as
- People with disabilities
- Seniors with low income
- Parents or caregivers with low income
Here’s what you need to know:
- Paying the Bills: Health Insurance, Disability Pay, and Attorneys
From BrainLine - Healthcare and Medical Assistance
From Benefits.gov
How can I get help taking care of my loved one?
If you are thinking about taking your loved one home, or at home there are some programs in states that can offer some assistance for personal support, equipment, supplies, and other services. Please note that these programs will vary from state to state.
State Waiver programs
Some states have Medicaid waiver programs to help with more home care. These may include services like case management, respite care, some personal care for your loved one, and therapy. Again, these can vary state by state. See below for more information:
State Waivers List
From Medicaid.gov
Medicaid Brain Injury and other waiver programs
Some states offer specific waiver programs once you get Medicaid to help with home care, personal support, and other services. Below is a document that gives you information and how to contact those states that have these waivers. Or go to the website to find out about your state and how to apply.
- A Survey of Medicaid Brain Injury Programs (PDF)
From Rutgers Center for State Health Policy - For details about each of the state services you can go to the website: MedicaidWaiver.org
State Trust Funds for brain injury
State trust funds for brain injury are funds that are available for a variety of different services and supplies that you may need if you take a loved oneperson with DoC home, though they differ state to state. For those states that have these funds the types of services you can apply for vary a lot. Some offer equipment, you may need, some offer transportation, some offer personal support services, and therapy.
You can do an internet search for: “state trust fund for brain injury” or call your local Brain Injury Association or Brain Injury Alliance to get more information. You can also search for your state and "Brain Injury Association" or "Brain Injury Alliance."
How can I get help paying for medications?
Medications can cost a lot of money. There are some programs that can provide lower costs. See below for some resources:
- Medication Management
From Shepherd Center - Locating Free or Subsidized Health Care Services and Prescription Medications - Financial Planning for Family Caregivers
From Caregiver Action Network
How can I get help paying for transportation assistance?
Transportation can be difficult when your loved one is in a wheelchair. You can Google “accessible transportation” to see what is available in your area. Below is also a website that can help guide you with this.
Free transportation programs for disabled
From NeedHelpPayingBills.com
How can I get help paying to remodel my home to make it easier for my loved one to get around?
Below is a list of resources for making your home easier to get around.
Home Remodeling for People with Disabilities
From Expertise.com
How can I get help paying for the internet?
See below for information about internet service for low-income adults
Internet Services for Low-Income Adults
From Family Caregiver Alliance
What are some other financial resources I may get?
Below is a list for people with disabilities, including disorder of consciousness
Financial Resources Search Results
From National Rehabilitation Information Center
What are the best ways to budget for all my needs?
Making ends meet when money is tight is possible. Here are some resources for budgeting care.
Making Ends Meet When Money Is Tight
From Family Caregiver Alliance
Tips that other families have found helpful to figure out how their loved one will afford both long-term care and day-to-day necessities like the phone or utility bill each month.
Help with Paying Bills
From NeedHelpPayingBills.com
Find how to get financial assistance with bills, free items, housing, food, and emergency or long-term help. Everything from rent or utility bill assistance to free food pantries, mortgage payment help, free health or dental clinics, and much more is listed.