Comprehensive Credit Counseling

Assistance for Missouri Residents:

NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Missouri Food Stamp Program:
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Missouri and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).  Anyone may apply for food stamps in Missouri. To apply, complete the food stamp application form and return it to your local Family Support Division (FSD) office. An application is available on our Web site at: www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/pdf/fs1_1006.pdf

Instructions for completing this form are also available on our Web site at:
www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/pdf/im-31fenglish.pdf

You can return the application in person, by mail or by fax. View address information for FSD county offices at:
 www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/office/index.htm
An interview must be completed to determine your eligibility for food stamp benefits. The interview can be by phone or in-person.

Missouri 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, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/WICAgencies_Map.html

Program Contact Information:
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 Missouri WIC, please visit the Missouri Nutrition Health and Services (NHS) at: www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/  If you have questions about the WIC program call Missouri NHS at: 800-835-5465

HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE

Missouri MC+ for Kids (SCHIP):
Is a health insurance program for uninsured children of low-income families who do not have access to affordable health insurance. You can apply for this benefit online at www.dssapp.dss.mo.gov/fmw/mohealth/login.asp or you may print out the application at www.dss.mo.gov/mhk/pdf/886-4367_0108.pdf 

Program Contact Information:
To learn more about Missouri MC+ for Kids, please visit: www.dss.mo.gov/mhk/index.htm
For more information on MC+ for Kids, please call (translation services available):
888-275-5908

PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

Missouri Rx Plan:
MoRx is the state pharmacy assistance plan to help residents in need by coordinating benefits with Medicare’s (Part D) Prescription Drug Program.  Enrollment is free and applications are available at www.morx.gov

UNEMPLOYMENTBENEFITS

Missouri Unemployment Insurance:
Benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Missouri's eligibility requirements. In order to establish your unemployment insurance claim, you may do so online at: www.ui.dolir.mo.gov/som/
For instructions on filing a claim by phone, click on the following URL: www.dolir.mo.gov/es/ui-benefits/esuib290.asp

For more information, please visit: www.dolir.mo.gov/es/

Missouri Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
The purpose of the Missouri Temporary Assistance Program is to provide assistance to needy families with children so that the children can be cared for at home. The program also is intended to reduce dependency by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. Funds may be used to prevent non-marital pregnancies and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Temporary Assistance offers two types of services to families. The services available are cash assistance and case management.  You may apply for this program through the online portal MO Health at the following location: www.dss.mo.gov/mhk/accept.htm

Program Contact Information:
To learn more about the Missouri Temporary Assistance for Needy (TANF) program, please visit: www.dss.missouri.gov/fsd/tempa.htm
For additional information or inquiries on TANF, please call the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS): 573-751-4815

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
Has two components: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECIP). EA is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay heating bills for Missourians during the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March. Eligibility requirements for EA are based on income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. Eligibility for EA may also qualify individuals for additional financial assistance through ECIP and/or weatherization services funded by LIHEAP. To apply for this program, contact a caseworker in the Community Action Agency near you:
www.communityaction.org/CAA%20Service%20Areas.aspx

Program Contact Information:
To learn more about Missouri LIHEAP, please visit:  www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/liheap.htm
Telephone inquiries can be made by calling toll-free at:  800-392-1261

Missouri Weatherization Assistance Program:
Home heating is a high-cost basic necessity. For people with low incomes, the decision to pay the utility bill may mean deciding between being warm in the winter or having well-balanced meals. Other low-income people live in older homes that may not have insulation or efficient heating systems. Weatherization is a long-term response to these problems. To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:
www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization/wxmap.htm

Program Contact Information:
For more information on the program and contacts to your local weatherization agency please visit:
www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization/wx.htm  
or Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll-free at: 1-800-361-4827

HOUSING ASSITANCE

Missouri’s Guide to Housing Assistance Programs:
A complete listing of available programs, requirements, application processes, and contacts is available at www.dmh.missouri.gov 

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

The Child Care Assistance Program:
In Missouri provides assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for eligible parents and guardians.  Additional information is available at www.dss.mo.gov or by calling 1-800-735-2466.  You may also visit your local Division of Family Services (DFS) office to apply for assistance.
 

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.