Comprehensive Credit Counseling

Iowa Assistance:

NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Iowa Food Stamp Program:
The Food Stamp program is intended to promote the general welfare of low income families by raising their levels of nutrition to avoid hunger and malnutrition.  Applications for  Food Stamps can be found at:  www.yesfood.iowa.gov

Any county DHS office can answer questions about the programs and services described here. You can also get an application form from any county Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Click on the link below to find the location of the county DHS office nearest you: www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Find_Help/MapLocations.html
You may also contact the Department's Field Office Support Unit by calling:
515 281-6899 or 800-972-2017

Iowa Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).  See the Iowa WIC website for detailed application information: www.idph.state.ia.us/wic/families.asp

Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:  www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm 

For more information on Iowa WIC, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Health (DPH): www.idph.state.ia.us/wic

If you have questions about the WIC program call the Iowa DPH toll-free:  800-532-1579

HEALTH INSURANCE

Iowa - Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i):
Is a program that provides free or low-cost health care coverage for Iowa children in families with limited incomes. The amount you pay is based on the income of the family, but no family pays more than $20 per month.  A child who qualifies for hawk-I health insurance will get all of his or her health care services through a health plan provider that has agreed to participate in the program. Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. 

For an application and instructions, as well as a customer service phone number, visit: www.hawk-i.org or, call Mon to Fri, 7am to 7pm at 1-800-257-8563.

PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

Iowa Drug Card:
As a resident of Iowa, you and your family have access to a FREE Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download your Prescription Drug Card and receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies. You may create as many cards as you need.  Participating pharmacies include the following: Kmart Pharmacy, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, and Hy-Vee, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies. Visit them at www.Iowadrugcard.com 
 
Iowa Medication Voucher Program:
The Iowa Prescription Drug Corporation in partnership with the Iowa Collaborative Safety Net Provider Network is making available the Iowa Medication Voucher Program. The program is a prescription medication program designed to assist low income Iowans with the purchase of a prescription from a limited medication formulary. With your Health Care provider prescription you may be eligible to get a 90 day supply of any medication on the medication formulary for the treatment of Diabetes, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Elevated Cholesterol, Depression and Pregnancy/Prenatal.  To be eligible for the program you must be an Iowa resident, uninsured, underinsured and in financial need. You will need to check with your Local County Board of Health or your County Relief Office to find out where vouchers are available in your county of residence.  More information visit www.iowapdc.org or contact them at 866-282-5817.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Iowa Unemployment Insurance:
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Iowa's eligibility requirements.  In order to establish your unemployment insurance claim, please visit the Iowa UI Service Center site for various ways to file:  www.iowaworkforce.org
Service Center Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

If you have any questions, please call (toll free):  877-891-5344, In the Des Moines area, dial: 515-281 -4199

Iowa Family Investment Program (TANF):
Is Iowa's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. FIP provides cash assistance to needy families, as they become self-supporting so children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. PROMISE JOBS provides employment and training services for FIP participants. To apply, download and fill out an application:  www.dhs.state.ia.us  Once completed, submit the application to your local DHS office, which you can locate here:  www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Find_Help/MapLocations.html The county DHS office serving your county is also listed in the State or County Government section of your local phone book, under "Department of Human Services" or just "Human Services".

You may also contact the Department's Field Office Support Unit by calling:
515-281-6899  or 800-972-2017

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Iowa Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP):
Is designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis at your local Community Action Agency from November through April (October for households with an elderly/disabled member), Monday through Friday, or as posted at the local Outreach/Community Action Agency office. The LIHEAP application also serves as an application for the Weatherization Assistance Program. 
There are 18 Community Action Agencies (CAA) throughout the state that have offices in each of Iowa's 99 counties. You will need to contact your local CAA county office regarding application for Weatherization Program services:  www.dcaa.iowa.gov/bureau_weath/how_apply.html

For more information about this program, please visit: www.dcaa.iowa.gov/bureau_EA/index.html

Iowa Weatherization Assistance Program:
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a Federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.  To apply for Weatherization, LIHEAP and other programs, find the outreach office nearest you by clicking on your county at the following link: www.dcaa.iowa.gov/app_sites/liheap_map.html

For more information about the Iowa Weatherization program, please go to:
www.weatherization.iowa.gov

You may also contact the Iowa Department of Human Rights at 515-242-5655.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Iowa Mortgage Help:
Is Iowa’s state-sponsored safe and FREE mortgage counseling resource.  It is crucial for Iowans who fear they may not be able to make their mortgage payment to contact them for assistance.  They may be reached at www.iowamortgagehelp.com or at 1-877-622-4866.

CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE

Child Care Assistance:
Helps pay for the care of a child while a parent or caretaker works or attends school.  You may qualify if you have a child under the age of 13 (under 19 with special needs) and get help from the Family Investment Program.  Assistance may also be available if income guidelines are met.  You can apply for assistance at your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.  Applications are also available at www.dhs.state.ia.us 

Other Assistance   

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Angel Food Ministries:
Is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable high quality food to those in need. They are helping to ease the grocery burden on 500,000 families around the country each month.   Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week for $30 or a single senior citizen for almost a month for $28. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.
Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.  Menus, pick-up locations and additional information can by found at www.angelfoodministries.com

United Way 2-1-1
This is a free and confidential service that can provide assistance with the following:

Basic Human Needs Resource:
Food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

Physical and Mental Health Resources:
Medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.

Employment Support:
Unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.

Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities:
Home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.

Support for Children, Youth and Families:
Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
 
Free Prescription Discount Card:  FamilyWize cards are distributed free of charge, nationwide, by the FamilyWize Community Service Partnership with participating United Ways.  These discount cards offer savings of up to 30% or more at any of 55,000 participating pharmacies.  For more information contact United Way  at 211 or visit www.familywize.org 
Phone:  2-1-1
Website:  www.211us.org

Social Security:
You can apply for retirement benefits online and also use the Retirement Estimator to calculate how much income you will receive depending on when you decide to retire.  Applications should be made three months prior to retirement.  Assistance with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs is also available.  The website is www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-633-4227 for more information about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The Healthwell Foundation:
Helps with out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays and insurance premiums for people with specific conditions.
Phone:  800-675-8416
Website: www.healthwellfoundation.org 
 
Cancercare:
Offers financial help for those with cancer of all ages.  Assistance may include homecare, childcare, transportation, medical equipment and prescription.
Phone:  800-813-4673
Website:  www.cancercare.org AND www.cancercarecopay.org 
 
Caring Voice Coalition Road:
Offers financial resources for insurance premiums, medications, and Medicare co-pay assistance for the following diseases:  Huntington’s Disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Defiency, Chronic Granulomatous Disease.
Phone:  888-267-1440
Website: www.caringvoice.org 

National Cancer Institute:
Financial assistance and other resources for people with cancer including transportation assistance, temporary housing, wigs or prescription assistance.
Phone:  800-422-6237
Website:  www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheets/support/financial-assistance 
 
American Cancer Society:
Some local offices offer prescription assistance among other assistance
Phone:  800-ACS-2345
Website:  www.cancer.org 
 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Single Patient Investigational New Drug Program:
Patients who are not eligible for a clinical trail and who are in an immediate medical crisis may be able to receive drugs that are not yet FDA-approved.  Your doctor would have to apply to the FDA for permission to use the drug.
Website:  www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/singleIND.htm 

Hollyrod Foundation:
Provides assistance in obtaining medications, treatments and therapies not covered by insurance.  Also assistance obtaining adaptive equipment.  Primarily for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Phone:  866-465-5976
Website:  www.hollyrod.com
 
Caring Ambassador Lung Cancer Program:
Provides a listing of Patient Assistance Programs and Pharmaceutical Company Patient Assistance Programs.
Phone:  503-632-9032
Website:  www.lungcancercap.org 

The Brain Tumor Society:
Financial assistance is given through the agency's BTS CARES Financial Assistance Program. This program provides supplementary financial assistance to individuals experiencing financial need. This program covers specific nonmedical costs related to a primary brain tumor diagnosis. Direct medical expenses are not covered.
Phone: 1-800-770-8287
Website: www.tbts.org 
 
National Brain Tumor Society:
For patients of all ages with primary or metastatic brain tumors.  Limited financial assistance for transportation, co-pay assistance, home care, child care and home adaptation.
Phone:  800-934-2873
Website:  www.braintumor.org

Chronic Disease Fund:
Helps underinsured patients with chronic disease, cancers or life-altering conditions obtain the expensive medications they need.
Phone:   (972) 712-0201
Website:  www.cdfund.org

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
Helps patients meet their health insurance or Medicare Plan B or D premiums or co-payment obligations.
Phone:  877-557-2672
Website:  www.LLS.org/copay

National Organization for Rare Disorders:
Assists uninsured or under-insured individuals in securing life-saving or life-sustaining medications.  Offers co-payment assistance for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuira.
Phone: 800-999-6673 (voicemail only) or 203-744-0100
Website:  www.rarediseases.org
 
Patient Advocate Foundation Colorectal Care Line:
Limited financial grant for transportation reimbursement, temporary lodging, child-care and food costs associated with out of town treatment.
Phone:  866-657-8634
Website:  www.colorectalcareline.org 
 
Sarcoma Alliance:
Grants up to $1000 to reimburse medial and other expenses directly related to getting a second opinion from a sarcoma specialist.
Phone:  415-381-7236
Website:  www.sarcomaalliance.org 

Co-Pay Relief:
Helps with a variety of illnesses and conditions.  Assists patients who cannot access the treatments they need due to out-of-pocket health care costs including deductibles and co-payments.
Phone:  866-512-3861
Website:  www.copays.org 

Partnership for Prescription Assistance:
Offers access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs.  Includes assistance for the uninsured.
Phone:  888-477-2669
Website:  www.pparx.org 

Patient Access Network Foundation:
Helps with out-of-pocket expenses for 20 different chronic diseases.
Phone:  866-316-7263
Website:  www.patientaccessnetwork.org 

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Program:
Provides direct co-payment assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured patients who financially and medically qualify.
Phone:  866-512-3861
Website:  www.copays.org 

Patient Services Incorporated:
Provides health insurance premium assistance (including COBRA) and co-payment assistance for many conditions including asthma.
Phone:  800-366-7741
Website:  www.uneedpsi.org 

Prescription Discounts:

PhRMA companies have long been worldwide leaders not only in pharmaceutical innovation, but also in philanthropic initiatives— and their long-standing patient assistance programs are especially helpful.
This Directory, www.PPARx.org and 1-888-4PPA-NOW
(1-888-477-2669), further their goal of helping to make medicines available to those who need them.
3M Pharmaceuticals
3M Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-328-0255 | F 1-651-733-6068
Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-222-6885 | F 1-866-898-1473
Abbott Virology Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-222-6885 | F 1-866-483-1305
HUMIRA Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-448-6472 | F 1-866-323-0661
Ross Medical Nutritionals Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-222-6885 | F 1-866-483-1305
Ross Metabolic Formula and Elecare Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-222-6885 | F 1-866-483-1305
Zemplar Patient Assistance Program
P 1-877-936-7527 | F 1-877-936-7528
Amgen
Encourage Foundation® (Enbrel)
P 1-888-436-2735 | F 1-888-508-8083
Safety Net Foundation for Kineret
P 1-866-546-3738 | F 1-866-203-4926
Safety Net Foundation for Sensipar
P 1-800-272-9376 | F 1-800-508-8090
Safety Net Program
P 1-800-272-9376 | F 1-888-508-8090
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Amylin Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-330-7647
Astellas Pharma US Inc.
Prograf and Protopic Patient Assistance Programs
P 1-800-477-6472
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP
AstraZeneca Foundation Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-424-3727
Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Lovenox Reimbursement Services and Patient Assistance Program
P 1-888-632-8607 | F 1-888-875-9951
Sanofi-Aventis Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-221-4025
Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Bayer Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-998-9180
Nexavar REACH Program
P 1-866-639-2827
Berlex Laboratories, Inc.
Arch Foundation
P 1-877-393-9071
Berlex Inc. Patient Assistance Program
P 1-888-237-5394, option 6 | F 1-973-305-3545
Berlex Oncology Reimbursement Support Line
P 1-800-321-4669
The Betaseron Foundation
P 1-800-948-5777 | F 1-877-744-5615
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation, Inc.
P 1-800-556-8317 | F 1-866-851-2827
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc.
P 1-800-736-0003 | F 1-800-736-1611
Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (Abilify)
P 1-800-736-0003 | F 1-800-598-5561
Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc.
(Oncology/Virology)
P 1-800-736-0003 | F 1-866-694-2545
Celgene Corporation
Patient Support Solutions
P 1-888-423-5436, option 3 | F 1-800-822-2496
Centocor, Inc.
Patient Assistance Program for Remicade
P 1-866-489-5957 | F 1-866-489-5958
Cephalon, Inc.
Actiq PAP
P 1-888-337-2579 | F 1-240-632-3092
Gabitril PAP
P 1-866-209-7589 | F 1-866-209-7596
Provigil PAP
P 1-800-675-8415
Eisai Inc.
Aciphex Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-523-5870 | F 1-800-526-6651
Aricept Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-226-2072 | F 1-800-226-2059
Fragmin Patient Assistance Program
P 1-866-272-8804 | F 1-866-272-8805
Patients in Need (Zonegran)
P 1-866-694-2550 | F 1-866-801-5631
Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly Cares
P 1-800-545-6962
Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Enzon Hotline for Abelcet, Depocyt and Oncaspar
P 1-800-345-2252
Genzyme Corporation
The Charitable Access Program (CAP)
P 1-800-745-4447, ext. 16634
GlaxoSmithKline
Bridges to Access
P 1-866-728-4368
Commitment to Access
P 1-866-265-6491

Johnson & Johnson Wound Management, A Division of Ethicon, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-652-6227 | F 1-888-526-5168
McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-652-6227 | F 1-888-526-5168
Merck and Co., Inc.
ACT (Accessing Coverage Today) for EMEND
P 1-866-363-6379 | F 1-866-363-6389
The Merck Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-727-5400
Merck Prescription Discount Card
P 1-800-506-3725
The SUPPORT Program for Crixivan Reimbursement Support and Patient Assistance Services for Crixivan
P 1-800-850-3430
Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals
Merck/Schering-Plough Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-347-7503
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
VELCADE Reimbursement Assistance Program
P 1-866-835-2233
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Clozaril Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-277-2254
Gleevac Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-277-2254
Novartis Oncology Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-277-2254
Novartis Patient Assistance Program for Transplant Patients
P 1-800-277-2254
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-277-2254
Sandostatin/Sandostatin LAR Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-277-2254
Visudyne Patient Assistance Program
P 1-877-736-2778
Novo Nordisk Inc.
Novo Nordisk Diabetes Patient Assistance Program
P 1-866-310-7549 | F 1-908-429-8764
Novo Nordisk Hormone Therapy Patient Assistance Program
P 1-866-668-6336
Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.
DOXILine
P 1-800-609-1083 | F 1-800-987-5572
ORTHOVISCline
P 1-866-633-8472 | F 1-800-987-5572
PROCRITline
P 1-800-553-3851 | F 1-800-987-5572
Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-652-6227 | F 1-888-526-5168
Ortho Women’s Health & Urology, A Unit of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-652-6227 | F 1-888-526-5168
OrthoNeutrogena, A Division of Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-652-6227 | F 1-888-526-5168
Pfizer Inc
Pfizer Helpful Answers
P 1-800-706-2400
Single point of access to all Pfizer programs
Aricept Patient Assistance Program
P 1-800-226-2072 | F 1-800-226-2059
Connection to Care
P 1-800-707-8990 | F 1-866-470-1748
FirstRESOURCE (Oncology)
P 1-877-744-5675 | F 1-800-708-3430
Fragmin Patient Assistance Program
P 1-866-272-8804 | F 1-866-272-8805
Macugen Access Program
P 1-866-272-8838

Meijer Free Antibiotics
Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, SMZ-TMP, Ciproflaxacin, Penicillin VK, Ampicillin and Erythromycin. 
FREE prenatal vitamins are available at all Meijer stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Wal-Mart: $4 prescriptions for some generic drugs

Kmart: $15 for 90-day supply of 184 generic prescriptions

Publix: Has some FREE antibiotics and offers FREE prenatal vitamins

Schnucks: Offers FREE generic oral antibiotics at all stores which are located in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and Iowa.