Lou Gehrig’s Disease, more formally known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a condition affecting the nerve cells found in the brain and the spinal cord. The cells control voluntary muscle movement. The disease causes muscle paralyzation to occur, and with time the individual whom is affected is no longer able to function. Individuals who have been diagnosed with ALC may need financial help available to help cover the variety of expenses that will be incurred over life with this condition. There are a number of sources in which an individual can turn to for the needed financial assistance.
Here are a few options available to help cover the great expenses that will be incurred:
1) Government Assistance:
Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are three of the government options available for financial assistance. In addition there are many state and federal programs that can help as well. Government assistance can help the patient cover medications, equipment rental, hospice services and home health costs, among others. The programs provided are a long term source of financial support.
2) Viatical Settlements:
Many people are unaware of the fact that their life insurance policy can be cashed in. Getting the cash from your policy can provide a generous amount of money that can be used to cover any and all expenses that you are going to incur. Cashing in a settlement is beneficial to many people because it is quick to get the cash, and because it can be used for any purpose, whether that is to cover rent and bills or to pay for medications or equipment for medical use.
3) Charitable Foundations:
One charitable foundation, the A.L.S. Family Charitable Foundation provides gifts of life, or financial assistance for patients who are affected with the condition and their families. They offer a database of private grants as well, and applying for a grant through a charitable organization such as the one above is simple, and there are not rigorous and complicated forms to complete.
4) Manufacturers:
If you are unable to gain financial assistance for medication and health equipment rental, the manufacture of the item that you need may be able to help. There are a number of companies who help individuals who are in a financial need, offering free or low cost medications and equipment as needed. In order to gain an approval for such a service an application must be completed which details the person’s health condition, and financial documentation must also be provided. Some of the programs out may want to learn more about include the National Organization for Rare Disorder.
