Medical bills can be financially devastating, especially when surgery is involved. Fortunately, there are many charities and organizations dedicated to helping individuals and families who can’t afford life-saving or essential surgeries. These charities provide direct financial assistance, access to low-cost surgery options, and support for related expenses like travel and lodging.
If you or someone you know needs financial help for surgery, here are some of the best charities that help pay for surgery.
1. The HealthWell Foundation
The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance to underinsured patients who need help with out-of-pocket medical expenses, including surgeries, treatments, and medications. They focus on people with chronic or life-altering conditions who may struggle to afford the necessary care.
What They Cover:
- Surgery co-pays and other medical expenses.
- Travel costs associated with receiving treatment.
- Insurance premiums and deductibles for critical treatments.
How to Apply:
- Visit the HealthWell Foundation website and apply for a grant based on the medical condition being treated.
- Submit the required documentation showing financial need.
2. The Assistance Fund (TAF)
The Assistance Fund offers financial support to patients with serious health conditions who need help covering the cost of surgeries and other treatments. They provide co-pay assistance, helping patients afford the care they need without worrying about high out-of-pocket expenses.
What They Cover:
- Co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket surgery costs.
- Related costs like prescription medications and travel for medical treatment.
How to Apply:
- Apply through their website, where you can find a list of covered conditions and eligibility requirements.
- Once enrolled, they provide direct financial assistance to your healthcare provider.
3. Mission of Mercy
Mission of Mercy operates free medical clinics across the U.S. that provide surgical services, medical care, and medications to uninsured and underinsured individuals. While the organization primarily focuses on basic medical needs, they do offer certain surgeries (like dental extractions and minor procedures) through their volunteer medical staff.
What They Cover:
- Free or low-cost surgery at their clinics.
- Medical care for chronic conditions and preventative treatments.
- Dental care, including extractions and surgeries.
How to Apply:
- Contact the nearest Mission of Mercy clinic to schedule an appointment and discuss your surgical needs.
4. Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
The PAN Foundation provides financial assistance to underinsured patients who need help covering the cost of surgery and other treatments for life-threatening, chronic, or rare diseases. PAN helps pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, including surgeries and related treatments.
What They Cover:
- Surgery co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Travel costs to reach the medical provider.
- Health insurance premiums and other medical costs.
How to Apply:
- Apply for assistance on their website by selecting your medical condition and completing the required financial eligibility information.
5. Children’s Health Fund
The Children’s Health Fund provides healthcare and medical services, including surgeries, for children from low-income families who cannot afford necessary medical care. They operate mobile medical units and partner with hospitals to ensure children receive essential surgeries and treatments.
What They Cover:
- Financial assistance for children needing surgery.
- Access to pediatric healthcare services and specialists.
- Travel assistance to reach medical facilities when necessary.
How to Apply:
- Contact their main office or visit their website to locate mobile health units and healthcare centers that partner with the fund.
6. Samaritan’s Purse (Children’s Heart Project)
Samaritan’s Purse provides life-saving heart surgeries to children born with congenital heart defects in countries where specialized care is unavailable. The Children’s Heart Project coordinates and covers the cost of surgeries, travel, and lodging for children and their families.
What They Cover:
- Cost of heart surgery for children.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for the child and a family member.
- Post-surgical care and medical follow-up.
How to Apply:
- Partnering medical professionals and churches identify children in need of surgery and coordinate with Samaritan’s Purse for assistance.
7. UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) provides medical grants to children under 16 who need financial assistance for surgery or other medical treatments. These grants help cover costs not fully paid for by insurance, such as co-pays, deductibles, and related expenses.
What They Cover:
- Surgeries, medical equipment, and therapies not fully covered by insurance.
- Co-pays and out-of-pocket medical expenses for children.
How to Apply:
- Visit their website to fill out the application and submit the required documentation for financial eligibility.
8. Modest Needs
Modest Needs is a non-profit that helps individuals and families cover short-term financial needs, including urgent medical bills or surgery costs. They provide small grants to people who don’t qualify for traditional forms of assistance but still need help covering emergency expenses.
What They Cover:
- Financial assistance for surgery-related expenses.
- Short-term grants for immediate medical needs, including co-pays and travel for surgery.
How to Apply:
- Apply for a grant on their website, where you can describe your medical need and financial situation.
9. Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children provides free or low-cost surgeries and specialized medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. They operate 22 hospitals in North America, offering advanced treatments regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
What They Cover:
- Free surgeries and follow-up care for eligible children.
- Specialized surgeries for orthopedic and spinal conditions, burns, and cleft palate repair.
How to Apply:
- Contact the nearest Shriners Hospital to learn more about how to qualify for their services.
10. GoFundMe Charity
While GoFundMe isn’t a traditional charity, it’s an increasingly popular platform where individuals can fundraise for specific needs, including surgery costs. Patients and families can create campaigns to raise funds from friends, family, and the broader community to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
What They Cover:
- Funds raised by individuals to cover the cost of surgery and related expenses.
- Travel, lodging, and post-surgery rehabilitation costs.
How to Access:
- Set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe and share it with your network to raise the necessary funds for surgery.
Quick Reference Table: Charities That Help Pay for Surgery
| Charity | What They Cover | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| HealthWell Foundation | Surgery co-pays, insurance premiums | Apply online via their website |
| The Assistance Fund (TAF) | Surgery co-pays, deductibles, travel | Apply through their website |
| Mission of Mercy | Free medical care and minor surgeries | Contact local clinic |
| PAN Foundation | Co-pays, travel costs, and surgery expenses | Apply via their website |
| Children’s Health Fund | Surgeries for children from low-income families | Contact local mobile unit or partner hospital |
| Samaritan’s Purse (Children’s Heart Project) | Heart surgeries for children with congenital defects | Apply through their program partners |
| UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation | Surgery costs, deductibles, and co-pays for children | Apply online for a grant |
| Modest Needs | Short-term medical assistance grants | Apply online for immediate needs |
| Shriners Hospitals for Children | Free surgeries for orthopedic and burn patients | Contact a Shriners hospital |
| GoFundMe Charity | Individual fundraising for surgery costs | Set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe |
These charities provide a lifeline for individuals and families facing overwhelming medical expenses related to surgery. Whether you need help paying for a child’s surgery, covering out-of-pocket costs, or accessing specialized medical care, these organizations can offer financial relief and support when you need it most.