Title: Federal and State Programs to Pay Medical Bills | MedWise Insurance Advocacy
Headings: Federal and State Programs that Help Pay Medical Bills
Federal and State Programs that Help Pay Medical Bills
Federal and State Programs that Help Pay Medical Bills
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
Charity Care Programs
Help with Prescription Drug Costs
More Info on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Get Help with Food, Heat and Living Costs
Food Stamps (SNAP Food Benefits)
How to Get Food Benefits
Become a SNAP Food Benefits Retailer
Help with You Energy Bill
Eligibility and Where to Apply
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Content: You may also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. For Medicare recipients in need of help, contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), enacted in 1986, you’re guaranteed access to an emergency medical evaluation, even if you can’t pay. The act requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding and provide emergency services to evaluate anyone who comes to their emergency room and requests a medical screening examination (MSE), when a request is made for examination or treatment for an emergency medical condition (EMC). If the evaluation confirms that you have an emergency medical condition, including active labor, they are then required to provide stabilizing treatment for you regardless of your ability to pay. Hospitals are then required to provide stabilizing treatment for patients with EMCs. If a hospital is unable to stabilize a patient within its capability, or if the patient requests, an appropriate transfer should be implemented. Charity Care Programs
Charity care programs help uninsured patients who can’t afford to pay their medical bills and don’t qualify for government aid. The patient services department of your hospital can help you find out if you’re eligible. If you don’t qualify, the hospital may offer you a payment plan.