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Can't Buy Me Love

By Anonymous

With all the stress that goes along with a chronic illness, there are emotional and mental aspects that go along with it. These are things that Tiffany and I spend time talking about with our patients. But on top of all this, illnesses cost us a lot of money! Financial burden is a large source of stress and I wanted to share an updated list of resources for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Last year I posted about a few of these organizations, but it is important to check back every six months or so to see if their funding has changed. 

Here is an updated list of resources, and many of the links below are also helpful for other chronic illnesses, so please explore and save some money. If you have money leftover (doubtful!), donate to a cause you like or to someone trying to find a cure for your illness! Some organizations focus on co-pays, some are for medication costs, and some are for other miscellaneous costs. Let me know if you find others! 


  • Patient Access Foundation: This is a non-profit that helps with co-pays for some medications. Click link for list of medications covered. 
  • Prescription Hope: This is a program for uninsured and under-insured patients to help with medication costs. There is a $20 annual fee and a $20 per prescription per month fee. Many IBD medications are available. 
  • NeedyMeds: This is a website that connects patients with financial assistance programs for expensive medications. Here is the link for brand name medications, but they also have one for generic medications as well. 
  • Oley Foundation: This organization has a Medical Equipment and Supply Exchange program, where their donations are updated weekly. You only pay for shipping. It is ideal for ostomy patients and patients with tube feedings or PICC  lines.
  • OstoGroup: This organization provides free ostomy supplies to uninsured patients worldwide, leaving the patient to just pay shipping and handling.
  • NaviDebt: This is an organization that has tips on how to get out of medical debt and negotiate medical bills.
  • Chronic Disease Fund: This is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to patients. Currently they are not taking any new IBD patients, but check back periodically. 
  • Healthwell Foundation: This is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to patients.
    Currently they are serving only IBD patients with Medicare, but check back periodically for updates.



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