Health Insurance & Patient Rights

Health Insurance Consumer Guides

The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute has written “A Consumer Guide for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance” for each state and the District of Columbia

Medical Records Rights

State-by-state guides intended to help the consumer understand legal rights to medical records under a combination of state laws and the federal HIPAA Privacy Rule.

HealthCareCoach.com

“A project of the National Health Law Program (NheLP), a non-profit legal organization. For more than 30 years, NheLP has worked to improve access to quality health care, educate consumers about their legal rights, and provide information and policy advocacy.”

U.S. News & World Report Best Health Plans

Recognizes commercial, Medicaid and Medicare plans that stand out in the rankings. It is also possible to find data on other commercial plans not listed on the honor roll.

National Council on Disability (NCD)

The NCS is an independent federal agency whose purpose is to promote policies and programs that guarantee equal opportunity and economic independence for individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.

American Disabilities Act

A U.S. Department of Justice site with extensive and up-to-date information on the ADA.

Prescription Drug Assistance

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

For qualified patients who lack prescription coverage, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

NeedyMeds

This information resource lists more than 300 programs and companies offering assistance with the cost of medical prescriptions. Includes patient assistance programs, state and local programs, and disease-specific programs.

Travel Assistance

Air Care Alliance

A central listing of free air transportation services provided by volunteer pilots and charitable aviation groups. The Listings page provides links and other contact information for regional, national, and international groups, including Mercy Medical Airlift, Miracle Flights for Kids, and many others.

Angel Flight America

Arranges free flights to hospitals for patients and their families. It is a charitable, national network consisting of seven regional groups and over 5,000 private pilots.

Angel Flight Europe

A charitable organization that arranges free long distance transportation for needy patients in non-emergency medical situations. Serves the European Union and Switzerland.

Children’s Flight of Hope

The mission is to provide free air transportation to and from medical facilities for critically ill and injured children. Qualifications include financial need and flights that originate or conclude within 200 miles of the Raleigh-Durham North Carolina area.

LifeLine Pilots

A private, non-profit organization that offers access to free air transportation for people of all ages who are in medical and financial need. Travel is by small private aircraft.

Northwest Airlines KidCares

The Northwest Airlines KidCares medical travel program provides air travel to children age 18 and younger who are unable to receive treatment in their home area.

Lodging Assistance

National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses (NAHHH)

A nonprofit corporation, the mission is to provide family lodging and support services for those seeking medical treatment far from home. Search for lodging by geographic location.

Ronald McDonald House

Serves as a temporary residence for families of children receiving treatment in medical facilities away from home. Accommodations are free or inexpensive. There are more than 245 Ronald McDonald Houses in 26 countries.