top of page

Financial Assistance Programs for Stroke Survivors

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Stroke survivors receiving financial assistance

Recovering from a stroke is not only a medical journey. It is also a financial one. Hospital care, rehabilitation, medications, adaptive equipment, transportation, and lost income often collide at the same time families are least prepared to manage them.


Many stroke survivors assume that if insurance does not fully cover these costs, there are no other options. That is not true. While no single program solves every problem, a combination of government benefits, nonprofit support, local services, and advocacy tools can significantly reduce the financial burden of recovery.


This guide brings those resources together in one place and explains how to use them in practical, realistic ways.


Start Here: Call 211 for Local Financial and Practical Help


Before applying to multiple programs on your own, one of the most effective first steps is calling 211.


211 is a free, confidential phone number available in most parts of the United States. It connects you with trained specialists who know what assistance programs exist in your local community.


When you call 211, you can ask about:


  • Help paying medical bills or insurance premiums

  • Low-cost or free rehabilitation services

  • Transportation to medical appointments

  • Food assistance, rent or utility help

  • Medical equipment loan programs

  • Caregiver support and respite services


Unlike national websites that list generic programs, 211 focuses on what is actually available where you live right now.


Learn more: https://www.211.org


If calling feels overwhelming, ask a family member or caregiver to call on your behalf.


1. Government Programs


Government programs form the backbone of financial support for many stroke survivors. Eligibility rules can be complex, but these benefits are often essential.


Medicaid


Medicaid provides health coverage for individuals with low income or limited resources. In addition to medical care, many states offer Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which may cover:


  • In-home caregiving

  • Personal care assistance

  • Therapy services not fully covered elsewhere


These waivers are especially important for survivors who need help at home but want to avoid long-term institutional care.



Medicare


Medicare covers hospital care, outpatient services, rehabilitation, and limited home health care for people age 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities.

Important points for stroke survivors:


  • Medicare limits the length and intensity of rehab it will cover

  • Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, but networks and prior authorizations matter


Always request written explanations for denied services and ask about appeal rights.



Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)


If a stroke prevents you from returning to work, SSDI provides monthly income support. Approval often requires:


  • Medical documentation

  • Evidence that you cannot perform substantial work

  • Patience, as applications can take time


If denied initially, appeals are common and often successful with proper documentation.


Learn more: https://www.ssa.gov


2. Nonprofits and Charities


Nonprofit organizations often fill the gaps left by insurance and government programs.


United Way


United Way does not usually provide direct checks to individuals. Instead, it funds and coordinates the local programs that stroke survivors rely on, such as transportation services, caregiver support, housing assistance, and food programs.

This is why United Way and 211 are closely connected in many regions.



Stroke Recovery Foundation


Some stroke-focused nonprofits provide small grants, scholarships for rehabilitation programs, or guidance on managing recovery costs. For example, the Stroke Recovery Foundation provides grants and practical guidance to survivors and their families. Their mission includes reducing the financial barriers to quality recovery care.



American Stroke Foundation


This organization also supports long-term recovery through education, caregiver training, and selected financial assistance programs.



3. Finding Low-Cost or Free Medical Equipment


Adaptive equipment is one of the most common and expensive surprises after stroke. Wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, hospital beds, and commodes are often only partially covered by insurance, if at all.


Options many families do not realize exist include:


  • State Assistive Technology Programs, which loan or recycle equipment

  • Medical equipment loan closets, often run by nonprofits or faith-based groups

  • Community donation networks, such as Buy Nothing groups or local mutual aid organizations


Many of these programs can be located by calling 211 or searching your state assistive technology program directory.


A national directory of state programs is available here:https://at3center.net/state-at-programs


Hospital social workers and case managers are often familiar with these resources and can help you access them quickly.


4. State and Local Resources


In addition to federal programs, states and counties often operate their own assistance systems.


State Departments of Health


Some states offer financial help for rehabilitation services, home modifications, or long-term care planning. Availability varies widely, so local guidance matters.

How to find programs: Visit your state Department of Health website or ask 211 for referrals.


Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)


Area Agencies on Aging support older adults but often assist younger stroke survivors as well. Services may include:


  • Meal delivery

  • Transportation

  • In-home support services


Find your local agency: https://eldercare.acl.gov


5. Insurance Navigation and Advocacy Support


Insurance denials are common after stroke, especially for rehabilitation and long-term services.


The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides free case management to help patients:


  • Appeal denied claims

  • Understand coverage

  • Identify alternative funding sources


This support can prevent unnecessary out-of-pocket spending.



6. Special Situations: Immigration Status and Access to Care


Stroke survivors who are undocumented immigrants often fear seeking help due to legal concerns. It is important to know:


  • Emergency care is legally required in the United States

  • Many community programs do not ask about immigration status

  • Avoiding care often leads to worse health outcomes and higher long-term costs


Local nonprofits and 211 operators can help identify safe resources without judgment. Also, please take a look at our article dedicated to this topic.


7. Crowdfunding and Community Support


In cases where traditional funding falls short, crowdfunding and local community support can be valuable lifelines.

 

Crowdfunding Platforms: Sites like GoFundMe allow you to share your story and raise funds for medical bills, therapy, or equipment. Learn more: Start your campaign at GoFundMe.

 

Community Events: Local churches, schools, or community organizations often organize fundraising events for neighbors in need. Reach out to your network to explore this option.


8. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)


For stroke survivors who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, or facing high out-of-pocket medical costs, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) can also be an essential part of recovery.


FQHCs are community-based health clinics that receive federal funding to provide comprehensive primary and preventive care regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Services are typically offered on a sliding fee scale based on income, and care is not denied due to lack of insurance.


For stroke survivors, FQHCs can help with:


  • Primary care follow-up after hospital discharge

  • Management of stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol

  • Prescription medications at reduced cost

  • Referrals to low-cost specialists, rehabilitation services, or community programs

  • Mental health and behavioral health support, including depression screening

  • Care coordination and help navigating insurance or assistance programs


FQHCs are particularly valuable when:


  • Insurance coverage has lapsed or been denied

  • Medicare or Medicaid coverage is delayed

  • Survivors are undocumented or hesitant to seek care elsewhere

  • Out-of-pocket costs are preventing routine follow-up care


Many FQHCs also employ social workers or patient navigators who can help connect stroke survivors to additional financial assistance, transportation programs, food support, and disability resources.


You can find an FQHC near you using the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) locator: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov


If you are unsure whether an FQHC is appropriate for your situation, calling 211 is often the fastest way to identify nearby centers and confirm eligibility.


Practical Tips for Accessing Financial Help


Keep copies of medical bills, insurance letters, and therapy recommendations. Documentation matters.


Ask for help early. Social workers, nonprofit case managers, and 211 specialists exist to guide you through these systems.


Use multiple resources together. Most families rely on a combination of insurance, nonprofit support, and community services rather than a single solution.


Financial stress should not derail recovery. While navigating these systems can feel overwhelming, support exists, and many survivors receive meaningful help once they know where to look.


For more guidance, shared experiences, and practical tools, we invite you to explore our other articles at RebuildAfterStroke.org.

 

 
 
 
bottom of page