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In Pain, Out of Work and Can't Pay the Bills
A Resource Directory for People With CRPS

Health Services and Insurance

Handling Disputes with Your Employer or Private Health Plan

Consumer Guide to Handling Disputes with Your Employer of Private Health Plan
Published by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Consumers Union, this guide contains the following sections:
Knowing Your Coverage
Appealing to your Health Plan
Getting an Independent Opinion—External Review in Your State
How Consumers Faired Under External Review Programs
State-by-State External Review Programs

Health Assistance Partnership
This organization provides assistance and resources in the areas of Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance, and The Uninsured. This not-for-profit organization has a wealth of information.

The Remote Area Medical® (RAM) Volunteer Corps
This non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps is dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world.

Hospital Care

Part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Hill-Burton program offers free or low-cost health care in select hospitals around the country. In addition, many health facilities are required to give healthcare to some people who cannot afford to pay.

The Hill-Burton program has a toll-free hotline (800.638.0742); calls are primarily received from individuals who have incurred medical bills that they are unable to pay or who are currently in need of medical services for which they are unable to pay. In addition, the hotline receives calls from hospitals and other health care providers, voluntary organizations, state and local government agencies, the news media and others.

For general information regarding the program, contact the Division of Facilities Compliance and Recovery at 800.638.0742 or visit their website.

Dental Care

Bureau of Primary Healthcare Service Delivery Site
This group provides a searchable database of low-cost and free health centers, including dental providers.

Dental School Training Programs
Many schools have clinics that provide care at a reduced or no cost. To locate a school near you, contact:
American Dental Education Association
1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite. 600
Washington, DC 20036-2212
Tel: 202.667.9433

National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
This organization provides donated dental services to help disabled, elderly, and low-income people. The foundation matches them with volunteer dentists in their geographical area.
Contact: NFDH
1800 15th Street Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: 303.534.5360
Fax: 303.534.5290

Vision Care

EyeCare America—National Eye Care Project
EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Opthalmology. Their mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye disease and care, providing free eye health education materials and facilitating access to medical eye care.
Contact: EyeCare Program: 800.222.EYES (3937)

Vision USA
Sponsored by the American Optometric Association (AOA) for low-income working Americans, the program provides basic eye care and vision care services free of charge.
Contact: VISION USA
243 North Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Tel: 800.766.4466
Fax: 314.991.4101
E-mail: visionusa@aoa.org

Introduction
Assistive Devices
Caregiver Resources
Clinical Trials
Disability Resources
Government Assistance Programs
Health Services/Insurance
Independent Living Centers
Legal Aid
Living Expenses
Patient Assistance Programs
Service, Faith-based, and Private Organizations
Transportation
Veterans
Workers Compensation

Appendices:
Federal Poverty Guidelines
Finding Free Clinics