How to get help with medical expenses

Find help paying for medical care

Government programs can help pay for medical care. Your income, age, employment status, and qualifying health issues will determine your eligibility. These programs include:

• Medicaid
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Medicare
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Health Insurance Marketplace
• Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Learn how these programs work, find out if you are eligible, and see how to apply.

Get help paying for prescription drugs

• Contact the pharmaceutical companies that make your prescription drugs or devices. Ask them about low-cost options, samples, or discounts.
• Learn about generic drugs and how they can lower your costs.
• State social services agencies provide direct assistance to people with limited access to health care. They can offer referrals to local health centers and organizations that may be able to help.
• If you are eligible for Medicare, you can get help paying for your prescriptions through Medicare Part D.

Find free or low-cost vaccines

Depending on your income, age, and health insurance coverage, you or your children may be eligible for free vaccinations.

• Use Vaccines.gov to find free COVID-19 vaccinations near you.
• Learn about the Vaccines for Children program (VFC) for free childhood immunizations.
• Search for a local health center that can give your family immunizations at a cost based on your income.