Living with Cushing’s can be challenging, and navigating financial aid options can add another layer of complexity. Our goal is to empower you with clear, practical information that will help you make informed decisions and access the support you need. There are a number of assistance resources with varying qualifications; please reach out to any of the organizations listed below to find out more.
NORD Patient & Caregiver Assistance Programs
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers RareCare Patient Assistance Programs for many rare diseases including Cushing’s Syndrome. They can help with the expense of obtaining medication, insurance premiums and co-pays, diagnostic testing, and travel for clinical trials or appointments with disease specialists. Use the first link above to search for Cushing’s and any other rare diseases you might have, to see the most up to date coverage and contact information.
NORD State Resource Center
NORD’s State Resource Center contains information on organizations that offer free or low-cost programs and services for individuals impacted by rare disease.
PAF Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) offers many types of assistance, check them out!
PAN Foundation
The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation offers out-of-pocket expense assistance for many medications including those commonly used to block or lower cortisol.
Accessia Health
Similar to PAN Foundation, does not have a Cushing’s fund but may offer assistance for medications not covered by PAN’s programs.
Travel and Housing Assistance
If you’re not lucky enough to live near a center of excellence for Cushing’s treatment, you may need to travel to get appropriate medical care. This can be a huge financial burden, as even those who have health insurance may find that travel costs are not covered. There are organizations that assist those in need of travel for medical purposes. Each organization has its own criteria, so you need to contact each one to find out if they are able to help in your particular situation. Most or all of these groups are US-only.
TRAVEL
Angel Flight Locator: Search available flights by state for medical treatment.
Miracle Flights: Helps arrange commercial flights to medical treatment in 50 states.
Mercy Medial Angels: Ground transportation, commercial airlines and volunteer pilots serving 50 states.
Air Charity Network: Volunteer pilots serving all 50 states.
Children’s Flight of Hope: Commerical US flights for children and one adult.
Kid One: Provides rides to appointments in specific counties in Alabama.
Angel MedFlight: Air ambulance for critically ill or seriously injured patients.
Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program: Currently provides round trip tickets to some non-profit hospitals and medical transportation companies in 29 states.
HOUSING
Homes that Help and Heal: Can help you find a place to stay.
NORD Patient Assistance Program: Might assist with housing costs when traveling far from home from medical care.
Ronald McDonald House: That mythical place you heard about as a child, is real! If they have the space, they’ll house a pediatric patient and family member as long as they need, provide all meals, offer social activities, and help arrange transportation or other needs at no cost to the family.
Many hotels will offer a hospital or special rate if you ask.