Health and Mental Health

Am I eligible for financial help with health insurance premiums or eligible for Medicaid coverage?

An overview of financial assistance provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for people purchasing coverage on their own through health insurance marketplaces (called Exchanges) is available here: Questions About Health Insurance Subsidies.

A helpful Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator is also available to find estimates of health insurance premiums and subsidies in each state.

I bought my health insurance through the Marketplace. What will it cover? How do I get coverage?

All Marketplace plans cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions and can’t terminate coverage due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. While your coverage benefits will remain the same, you should log in to update your Marketplace application if COVID-19 impacts your income or household. You may be able to change your plan if certain situations apply.

If you do not have medical insurance sign up for a plan now. The resource below links to your state program.

I did not previously enroll in Medicare, but I need to enroll now. Where do I find information?

People who are eligible for Medicare may need to enroll in coverage for the first time. This includes people who have lost employer-based coverage and people who missed other enrollment periods. Other individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare may need to switch to Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans to better meet their needs.

Explore Medicare open enrollment options available now

What are some options if I lose my health insurance?

It is important to find a program you are eligible for in order to have health insurance coverage whenever possible, particularly if you have a disability or other chronic health condition. In most cases, you should be able to complete one application to find what’s available to you through the health insurance exchange. And, if you need help, there are navigators or certified application counselors affiliated with local nonprofits to help you.

Find help if you’ve lost your health insurance.

Is there someone to help me to understand my options for healthcare and help me to apply?

Yes, healthcare.gov has two option to help you get local, marketplace-certfieid help. You may search for a local agent/broker or assister to help you or you may choose to be contacted by a local agent/broker. These individuals may assist you in learning more about your options, and help you to enroll or re-enroll.

How can I get medical care while maintaining social distancing?

Learn more about telehealth services as an option to maintain medical care while social distancing.

Are there any resources available to obtain free or low-cost health and dental coverage for children and teens?

Learn more about possible assistance with health and dental services for your children in your state.

I have issues wearing a face mask due to my disability. What are my rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Some states and local governments are requiring the use of face masks when in public spaces. Wearing a face mask is one way to slow the spread of COVID-19, but wearing a face mask may be difficult for some people with a disability.

The Southeast ADA Center has created a fact sheet to answer questions about wearing face masks and the legal rights that a person has under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Have you had to pay for a family member’s funeral and burial expenses for a death related to COVID?

To help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. FEMA is now providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths in the United States related to coronavirus (COVID-19).Funeral Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per deceased individual and $35,500 per application, per state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, in cases where the applicant incurred funeral expenses for multiple deceased individuals. Funeral Assistance is not limited to US citizens and information is available in multiple languages including American Sign Language (ASL). FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.

Fraud Alert: FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA does not sent any such notifications and does not contact people before they register for assistance.

I want to know more about COVID-19 vaccinations for people with disabilities. Where can I find this information?
Are there any resources available to provide free counseling and emotional support?

There are a variety of tools, resources and help lines which provide support in several ways. Many provide support 24/7 via telephone and some use private messaging and TTY; some may provide help in Spanish.

Find free counseling, emotional support and help lines.

I feel stressed and need tips or actions I can take to help me to feel better and more in control emotionally. Where can I get help?

You are not alone in finding these times stressful. Getting our lives back into a comfortable routine takes time. Review how you may be feeling and which actions on the checklist you can do now to feel more in control. If you cannot do it alone, there are resources to help you, including counseling and emotional support.

Taking care of your emotional health after a disaster is important, and you can take positive actions to help you feel better and more in control.

I am really struggling with everything that is going on in the world and our community right now...I'm having a hard time mentally and emotionally. Is there someone I can talk to that could help me?

We just recently went through an unprecedented public health crisis and there continues to be multiple tensions and financial stresses in our world today. These challenges also present an opportunity to come together within our families and our communities to improve understanding of our mental health.

It’s important to engage in open, honest dialogue with friends and loved ones, to demonstrate compassion and kindness, and to practice self-care by exercising, meditating and consuming the news in measured doses. And to reach out to those who may be isolated and need extra support. These actions can save lives and positively change our collective culture surrounding mental health for the long-term.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has gathered tools and resources to assist with mental health care and suicide prevention.

View More Resources

Employment + Unemployment

COVID-19 Stimulus

Public Benefits

Managing Money

Identity Theft

National Disability Institute
LifeCents

The Financial Resilience Center was developed by National Disability Institute with generous funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

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