Welcome to The Butterfly Guild's Resource Directory!
This page is a large directory of outside organizations & resources compiled by The Butterfly Guild. It is meant to help you find free/reduced cost healthcare, medication, housing, transportation and more. All resources are free to use and are not endorsed by or affiliated with the Butterfly Guild in any way.
And if you want help naviagting life with a chronic illness/disability, want to bring some joy back into your life or just need a community of people who get it, click the home page! You can join our free virtual monthly events, subscribe to our snail mail club, and download free guidebooks in the shop!
How to Navigate This Directory:
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- Determine what kind of assistance you need
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- Scroll to the applicable section (see below) and read through the resources
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- Most resources are titled with blue, bold text. There are instructions under each resource to help you navigate that resource's website. Click on that blue title to be taken to the website. If a title isn't blue, that means that there isn't a specific wesbite for that resource. Follow the coresponding instructions to figure out how to access the resource.
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- Note: There is often some overlap between what services certain medical assistance organizations offer. If you don't see what you need, be sure to chek out the other sections just in case.
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Order of Resources:
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- Low Cost Medical Services
- Financial Assistance for Medical Care
- Free/Reduced Cost Medications
- Medical Equipment & Mobility Aids
- Housing & Utilities
- Transportation
- General Food Assistance
- Specialized Food Assistance (i.e enternal nutriontion, dietary restrictions, etc.)
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Please note: As much as I try, I cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability of all listed resources. The Butterfly Guild does not endorse any specific organization and does not receive any compensation for sharing these links and resources. Use at your own discretion.
1. Low Cost Medical Services
Community Health Centers
These are local clinics that offer a wide variety of services such as preventative care, dentistry, eye care, and mental health care. They adjust their fees on income and family size, so you won’t be turned away if you’re uninsured or unable to pay.
To use: To locate a clinic near you, click above to be taken to the HRSA website and input your zip code.
Remote Area Medical
These are mobile pop-up clinics run by volunteers that offer free dental, vision, and general medical care to underserved communities. These clinics only operate on certain days and are first come, first serve so you will likely have to get there as early as possible.
To use: To locate a clinic near you, click the link above, click "schedule," and find your state.
Findhelp:
This site locates healthcare assistance programs in your community, as well as other housing, food, and financial assistance programs.
To use: Click on the link above and type in your zip code.
211:
This site can help you locate health clinics as well as other healthcare, food, and housing assistance programs.
To use: Click on the link above and type in your zip code.
Hey Jane
This is a site offering a wide range of virtual reproductive care services such as UTI treatment, herpes treatment, prescribing birth control, prescribing emergency contraception, and abortion. They take some insurance plans and offer sliding scale, income based payments.
To use: Click the link above and click the “Get started” button on the right hand corner. Answer the questions.
2. Funding Assistance for Medical Care & Associated Costs
Dollar For:
This organziation helps you apply for financial assistance at your hospital and assists you in having your hospital bills forgiven. In order to qualify, you must meet your hospital's financial assistance criteria (which you can find using the site's easy eligibility tool).
To use: Go to the link above and fill out the information under "See if you qualify," then follow the instructions.
The Assistance Fund:
Offers financial assistance to cover insurance premiums and copays, as well as financial assistance to obtain medications. In order to qualify, you must have an FDA approved treatment and be a U.S citizen or permanent resident with a qualifying condition who meets the income requirements.
To access: Click the link above and hit the “Apply” button at the top of the page. Scroll through the list of conditions and check the program status. If the program is open, you can apply now. If the program has a waitlist, you may be able to request to join.
PAN Foundation:
Offers financial assistance to cover insurance premiums and copays, as well as transportation to medical appointments and other places that improve your health.
To access: Click on the link above and fill out the information in the "We're here to help" box. From there, follow instructions.
The Patient Advocate Foundation:
This organization offers one-on-one case management services to patients to help apply for insurance, assistance with appeals/denials, applying for disability benefits, and setting up payment plans for medications. They also offer financial help to qualifying individuals to help pay the out-of-pocket costs for medications and treatments. They also offer limited grants for qualifying individuals.
To access: Click the link above and click on “Connect with Services.” Then, click on the desired program and follow the instructions.
NORD:
An organization for those with rare diseases that offers financial assistance to cover insurance premiums/copays and obtaining medications. They also offer financial assistance for emergency situations, travel associated with medical care, and obtaining a caregiver.
To access: Click the link above and scroll down to “Patient Assistance Programs.” Then search by disease or filter by assistance type.
Point of Pride:
An organization that supports trans people and provides financial aid for gender-affirming care services. They offer aid for HRT, electrolysis, gender-affirming surgery, legal services, prostehtics, vocal training and other affirming services and products. They also offer free chest binders and shapewear.
To use: Click the link above and scroll through the services offered
3. Free/Reduced Cost Medications:
GoodPill
This is a non-profit, home delivery pharmacy offering low-cost medications for those unable to afford it.
To use: first click on the link above. Then, check their stock for the medication you need. Then, create an account and ask your doctor to send over a prescription to Good Pill Home Delivery.
NeedyMeds:
This is a website that helps you locate patient assistance programs for specific medications, as well as reduced cost medical care, reduced cost transportation, and coupons for medications.
To use: click on the link above. Then, click the “Savings” tab at the top of the site. Then, find the service you’re interested in and follow instructions.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance:
An organization that will connect you to medication assistance programs and assist you with findingfree/low-cost clinics for free.
To use: Click the link above and follow the directions.
Dispensary of Hope:
This is an organization that redistributes donated medications to low-cost/free clinics in order to provide free medications to qualifying patients. Qualifications vary by location. Common medications include: antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidepressents, antipsychotocs, antihistamines, PPIs, insulin, and more.
To locate: Click the link above, then click “Find Meds” at the top and type in your zip code. Locate a participating clinic near you and contact them.
Mutual Aid Diabetes:
A 100% volunteer run organization that assists diabetics with accessing insulin and other supplies and redistributes unused supplies to those in need.
To Access: Click the link above and then click the “Request Aid” button. Fill out the form.
4. Medical Equipment & Mobility Aids:
Ostomy 101:
This site offers contact information for ostomy supplies manufacturers so you can request free samples (which may be helpful in a pinch :)
To use: Click the link above and scroll to the needed supplies and manufacturer, then click “order free samples.”
Partnership for Prescription Assistance-Diabetes Directory
This is a directory of organizations offering free/reduced cost medical supplies for diabetes.
To use: Click the link above and scroll through the directory.
Paternship for Prescription Assistance-Hearing aid and Service Animal Directory
This is a directory of organizations offering free/reduced cost hearing aids and service animals.
To use: Click the link above and scroll through the directory.
Got DME:
This site lets you locate a mobility aid loan closet in your community. Borrow or donate durable medical equipment such as walkers, crutches wheelchair, shower chairs, and commodes from these closets free of charge. Each closet has their own qualifications and time limits.
To use: Click the link above, then input your zip code and locate the closet closest to you.
AT3:
This directory shows assistive technology demo and lending programs in your state, as well as state financing options. This way, you can try a wide range of assistive tech such as adaptive housewares, sports equipment, communication devices, toys, mobility aids, and more. Then, if you like that item, you can borrow it or get assistance to purchase it.
To use: Click the link above, then scroll down the list and find your state
Wheel to Walk Foundation:
Only serves Idaho, Washington, California, and Oregon
A foundation that helps those age 20 and under obtain medical equipment such as gait trainers, lifts, wheelchairs, walkers, and orthotics.
To use: Follow the link above. Click the “Request Application” button at the top of the screen and fill out the form
5. Housing & Utilities:
Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance
211 can connect you to local resources that may offer emergency financial assistance with paying your rent and utilities. Call or chat online for their help.
To use: Follow the link below and type in your zip code. Then contact them or read through the local resources linked.
Findhelp:
This site locates housing assistance program in your community, as well as other food, healthcare, and financail assistance programs.
To use: Click on the link above and type in your zip code.
LIHEAP:
The low income energy assistance program helps low-income families pay their energy bills and offers financial assistance for repairs.
To use: Follow the link below and click the “Do I qualify?” button. Then fill out the required form.
6. Transportation:
Ride United:
This is a partnership between United Way and Lyft that allows you to use Lyft ride credits to get to essential places such as medical appointments, job interviews, grocery stores, food pantries, and work/school. You need to live within a service area to qualify.
To use: Call 211 and ask about “Ride United” to see if they work within your area.
Cars4Heroes:
This is an organization that offers free, basic cars to people in need. While they primarily serve veterans, they also serve first responders and civilians.
To use: Follow the link above and fill out the appropriate form.
Braunability:
This is a database to help you locate grants and other methods of funding for adaptive vehicles.
To use: Click the link above and find your state. Then, read through the options.
Insurance:
If you have state-funded or private insurance, your plan may offer “Non-Emergency Medical Transportation.” This is a service to help you get to and from your medical appointments. Check with your insurance plan and see if this is a service they offer.
City-Specific Transit:
Even if you are in a location without major public transportation, your town may offer some limited public transit options or "para-transit" for elderly and disabled people to get to medical appointments, work/school, and stores. If your city has some form of transportation, it may be worth it to see if they offer discounted rides or personalized pick-up services.
7. General Free/Reduced Cost Food Assistance:
Findhelp:
This site locates local food banks and assistance programs in your community, as well as other housing, healthcare, and financial assistance programs.
To use: Click on the link above and type in your zip code.
Plentiful:
This website offers a map of local food banks and relevant details such as their website or hours of operations. Because some of the details are input by users, be sure to double check the information with the food bank to ensure it’s correct.
To use: follow the link and zoom in to your location (typing in the search bar often limits your options)
Lasagna Love:
This program offers a homemade lasagna made by a local volunteer for those in need. This is generally a one-time service and must be requested in advance.
To Use: Click the link below and click “Request” at the top of the screen. Request a meal and fill out the form.
Meals On Wheels:
This organization offers free prepared meals delivered to your door for seniors with mobility issues. Age requirements and eligibility vary by location.
To use: Click the link below and click the “Find meals and services” vutton at the top of the screen. Enter in your zip code and look through the options.
Thrive Market:
Thrive Market is an online grocery delivery service that offers an extensive collection of high-quality groceries at discounted prices. They also offer a large selection for those with dietary restrictions.
They are offering a free annual membership for anyone with SNAP EBT and allow you to use SNAP funds to purchase groceries. First responders, nurses, teachers, students, and low-income people are also eligible for a free membership.
To access a free membership: Follow the link below and scroll down until you see “Access a Free Membership” and click “Apply Now.” Input your email and select your group and apply.
Too Good To Go:
Please note, this is an app to download on your phone. This app allows you to purchase leftover food from local restaurants at a heavily discounted price. Most times you will not be given a choice in the food you receive and you must arrive within the designated pickup times. However, you can often get large quantities of food for a few dollars and it’s an accessible option for people with low-energy.
Urban Farms:
While this is not one specific resource, googling your state’s name and “urban farms” can help you with finding your state’s local urban farm collective. Oftentimes, these farms will offer fresh produce for free or at a heavily reduced cost. Check their website for programs they may offer and don’t hesitate to reach out to them for more info!
8. Specialized Food Assistance Programs:
Project Food Box:
Serving California and New York only
If you have qualifying medical conditions or dietary restrictions and have Medicaid, this project delivers personalized boxes of fresh food to your doorstep. These boxes are created by dieticians and they go through insurance, so there is no charge to you!
To use: Click the link below and click “Get started.” Then, fill out the form.
Gluten Free Food Bank Map:
The National Celiac Association hosts a GF food bank map as well as other grocery shopping tips and tricks.
To use: click the link below, then click on the “Search for a food pantry” button and input your state into the map search bar.
Gluten-Free Food Insecurity Business Map:
Thank you to Liz (@yeetthatwheat) for compiling this map.
This map shows businesses that are either offering free GF food, accepting GF donations, have GF food pantries, or have partnered with local organizations to provide GF food to their community.
To use: To locate a business near you, first check the key to the left. That will tell you what the business is offering. You can check your state and zoom in to the business to see further details.
Oley-Enternal Nutrition Supplies Assistance:
This site hosts eternal nutrition supply exchanges. You can donate unused supplies/formula and find others giving away unused supplies/formula. You must contact and coordinate your donation/requests yourself.
To locate: Click on the link below, then click either the “Donation Form” or “View Available Supplies” button.
If looking for supplies, you can sort through the form by location, date, or need by clicking the “Filter” button besides the search bar at the top of the form. Under “Advanced Features” click the “choose a field” dropdown and click the appropriate filter. Make sure the dropdown next to it says “include.” Then, you can type in your state, brand of formula, bag size, etc.
Enternal Nutrition Assistance Programs:
These are assistance programs built by the formula manufacturers. These are complimentary programs that patients and providers can utilize to help get formula approved by insurance and/or access other financial support. If you receive SNAP and/or WIC, you may be able to use those funds to assist with paying for formula through this program.
To apply: Determine your formula’s manufacturer and click on the corresponding link. Then, locate your formula’s form, fill out your sections the required forms and have your provider fill out the rest! Then, send it back to the program.
Links:
Abbot: https://www.pathwayreimbursement.com/patient.html
Nestle: https://www.nestlehealthscience.us/f4s-enroll