Comprehensive Credit Counseling

Assistance for Michigan Residents:

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

Michigan Food Assistance Program:
The Michigan Food Assistance Program supplements the food purchasing power of low-income individuals and families.
To apply for Assistance, you may download an application from the FIA website:
www.michigan.gov/fia/0,1607,7-124-5453_5526_22957---,00.html

Michigan 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).
To apply for WIC, call 1-800-26-BIRTH (1-800-262-4784). 
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 Michigan WIC, please visit the Department of Community Health (DCH) at: www.michigan.gov/wic 

HEALTHCARE

Michigan Child Health Insurance Program:
MIChild is a health care program administered by the Department of Community Health. It is for the low income uninsured children of Michigan's working families. MIChild has a higher income limit than Healthy Kids. There is only an income test. Like Healthy Kids, MIChild is for children who are under age 19. There is a $5 per family monthly premium for MIChild. The $5 monthly premium is for all of the children in one family. The child must be enrolled in a MIChild health and dental plan in order to receive services. Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. 
Apply online by visiting www.healthcare4mi.com/michild-web/ or download an application by visiting www.michigan.gov/documents/MIChildApplication_11847_7.pdf  Once completed, mail the application and any requested supporting documents to the address listed on the last page of the application.

Applications are also available from most community human services agencies or by calling 1-888-988-6300.

PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

Wayne County Senior Prescription Savings Program:
The Senior Prescription Savings Program is an opportunity for Wayne County residents to save money on prescription medication.

You qualify for the Senior Savings Card if:
       §  You are a Wayne County resident
       §  You are age 55 or older
       §  You have no other co-pay coverage (even if you have a deductible, but no co-pay)
Coverage will include:
       §  Any drug that requires a physician's prescription
       §  Prescription mail order services
       §  Thousands of participating pharmacies nationwide
       §  Wellness information
               *For additional information call 866-896-3450

World Medical Relief (WMR):
World Medical Relief offers two prescription assistance programs available to income and asset-eligible residents in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Participants cannot have prescription insurance coverage or be eligible for or receive Medicaid. Qualified participants will be charged $7 per prescription plus small postage cost. Applications can be mailed or obtained at various community sites.

The Senior Prescription Program:
Is offered to residents age 55 and older.

The Tri-County Prescription Program:
Includes residents age 40-54.
Visit www.worldmedicalrelief.com for more information or call 313-866-5333

MiRx Prescription Savings Program:
The State of Michigan provides a prescription drug discount card to uninsured and under insured Michigan residents to allow them to be able to get their prescription medication for less money at participating pharmacies. Savings are up to 20% off the retail price.

Eligibility: Michigan resident, no prescription drug coverage, income level at or below the state's median income level. There is no age limit. Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in Part D and are within the deductible phase or coverage gap, are eligible to apply for the savings program if they meet the income requirements.
For more information visit www.michigan.gov  or call 866-755-6479  
 
Michigan HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Program:
The Michigan HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Program (DAP) helps cover costs for certain FDA approved drugs for HIV/AIDS patients who qualify for the program. The DAP currently covers HIV-specific and related medicines, as well as vaccines. To be eligible:
       §  You must have HIV disease
       §  You must be a state of Michigan resident
       §  Your income level should be nor more than 450% of Federal Poverty level
       §  You must have applied for public assistance (Medicaid) and have been denied, pending or spend-down status within 90 days of application to the DAP
       §  Annual redetermination process
 
More information is available at www.michigan.gov or by calling 888-826-6565
 Program information is also available from HIV case management agencies and the local health department locations.

Veterans Affairs:
Call the VA Health Benefit Service Center toll-free at 877-222-8387 for information about prescription assistance services.

Michigan Parkinson Foundation: 
A Medication Assistance program is offered by Michigan Parkinson Foundation. The program will provide limited funding per year to qualified individuals with Parkinson's. Call for eligibility information. 800-852-9781 or 248-433-1011

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Michigan Unemployment Insurance:
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Michigan's eligibility requirements. These benefits are intended to provide temporary income as unemployed workers seek new employment.
In order to establish your unemployment insurance claim, you may do so by phone at:
866-500-0017 or online at: www.michigan.gov/uia/0,1607,7-118--77962--,00.html

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Michigan Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP):
LIHEAP is Federal money given to each state to assist low-income families with energy costs. In Michigan, the LIHEAP block grant is used for the following programs:  Home Heating Credit, State Emergency Relief (SER), and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
To apply, please contact the local DHS office in the county in which you reside or for more information visit:  www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5461---,00.html 

Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program:
Michigan's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally-funded, low-income residential energy conservation program. The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households.

To apply, contact your local weatherization operator at: www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5452_7124_7211-58707--,00.html 

To ask about the Weatherization Assistance program, please call the Michigan Family Independence Agency at: 517-373-2035

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

Michigan Family Independence Program:
Provides cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items.
For more information please visit this website and click on the links under "Family Independence Program": www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453_5526---,00.html

The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program:
Provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. Through a combination of direct financial assistance and contracts with a network of non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army and local Community Action Organizations, SER helps low-income households meet emergency needs such as:

• Heat & Utilities
  
• Home Repairs
  
• Relocation Assistance
  
• Home Ownership Services
  
• Burial

The SER program is primarily designed to maintain low-income households who are normally able to meet their needs but occasionally need help when unexpected emergency situations arise. The SER program is not an appropriate solution to ongoing or chronic financial difficulties.
For assistance visit www.michigan.gov/dhs or call 1-517-373-2035

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

MSHDA's Save the Dream Campaign provides helpful information on our Web site (www.michigan.gov) that assists homeowners who are experiencing financial difficulties or facing foreclosure.
 If you are having financial problems, don’t risk losing your home - there are options available. The Save the Dream toll-free number is 866-946-7432. Operated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the hotline directs homeowners to a homeownership counselor in their county who specializes in foreclosure prevention. Or if they prefer, homeowners can locate a MSHDA Homeownership Counselor directly.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

For many families, the cost of safe, quality child care is a major strain on the budget. DHS' Child Development and Care Program may provide payment for child care services for qualifying families when the parent, legal guardian or substitute parent is unavailable to provide the child care because of employment, education and/or because of a health/social condition for which treatment is being received. You may qualify if you need child care for: employment, high school completion or family preservation (treatment activity for a health or social condition).  For additional information please visit www.michigan.gov/dhs or call 1-517-373-2035.

    
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.