• Most hospitals offer payment plans. They may not tell you this help is available, however — you’ll need to ask specifically to get on a payment plan. This often involves calling the billing or financial department of the hospital. Billing will receive this question often, so don’t be afraid to call and ask for the logistics.
• Make sure your insurance is covering everything it’s supposed to cover. Before seeking any treatment, call your insurance company and ask exactly what will be covered, and if you need prior authorization for treatment. Prior authorization can involve submitting a potential treatment plan to your insurance before receiving treatment or visiting a specialist. Ask for everything in writing, and bring this documentation to your specialist. Follow up with your insurance after each appointment.
• Join a clinical trial to get paid while getting necessary treatment. You can ask your doctor for trials, search online (clinicaltrials.gov is a good place to start), or check with local universities.
• Several organizations offer prescription payment assistance. A few examples are: https://www.pparx.org/, http://rxhope.com/ and https://www.needymeds.org/.
• Free and low-cost clinics exist in most cities. A Google search of “free clinic” plus your city name will yield these valuable results.

The financial burden of treating pain can feel insurmountable, but programs and options exist. You don’t have to suffer just because they money doesn’t feel available. Help is there with a little elbow grease.