Programs that make health insurance payments for individuals who are at risk for losing their health, dental and/or vision care coverage and who meet age, income, disability, need or other requirements. Some programs may also provide assistance with deductibles and co-pays.

Programs that provide financial assistance that helps individuals who have a designated health condition or disability or require an operation such as a transplant pay for non-medical but related expenses, which may include travel expenses to and from treatment, home or housing costs, child care expenses or other related costs. Incidental medical expense assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that provide financial assistance to purchase necessary prescription drugs for people who would be in an emergency situation without assistance. Also included are programs that reimburse individuals for their prescription expenses, usually on an annual basis. Prescription expense assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that provide access to low-cost or difficult to obtain prescription drugs or supportive services that help patients take their medication as prescribed by their physician.

Individuals who have serious medical conditions that have persisted over a long period of time or are subject to frequent recurrences, are treatable but rarely cured completely and require persistent self-management behaviors. Chronic illnesses may be life-long in duration and/or progressive in nature; and many are marked by sudden flare-ups that can be caused by stress or other factors. Medicine and other treatments can often help people with chronic illness lead a normal life, although many require long-term care.