general24/7 in most areas
211 — Local Help, Any Need
United Way nationwide help line. Connects you with local food, housing, utility, healthcare, employment, and crisis services in your community.
2-1-1Official siteCoverage
Healthcare & Insurance
Health coverage rules are confusing on purpose. A team members can tell you which program fits: the ACA Marketplace if you’re between jobs, Medicaid if your income qualifies, Medicare if you’re 65+, CHIP if your kids need coverage your income disqualifies. We also know which prescription assistance programs drop drug costs sharply. We don’t enroll you — we tell you exactly where to enroll, what to bring, and what to ask.
Programs we refer to
A team members know which of these apply to your situation. We tell you which one fits, who runs it, and what to ask when you call them.
Affordable Care Act Marketplace
Subsidized health insurance based on income. We refer you to Healthcare.gov or your state exchange.
Medicaid
Free or low-cost coverage for low-income families. We tell you your state’s application path.
Medicare
Federal coverage for seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. We refer you to ssa.gov or your local SSA office.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance)
Coverage for kids in families that earn too much for Medicaid. We tell you how to apply in your state.
Prescription Assistance
Drug manufacturer programs that drastically reduce medication costs. We refer to the manufacturer’s patient assistance hotline.
Real Phone Numbers, Real Help
Need help tonight?
These free, verified hotlines can connect you to assistance immediately — no application needed. We list them here as a public service.
healthcare24/7
Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Help enrolling in ACA health insurance, finding subsidies, and navigating the federal marketplace. TTY: 1-855-889-4325.
1-800-318-2596Official sitehealthcare24/7
Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE — questions about Medicare enrollment, plans, claims, prescription drugs (Part D), or finding a doctor.
1-800-633-4227Official siteveteransMon–Fri, 8am–9pm ET
VA Benefits Hotline
Veteran benefits — health care enrollment, disability compensation, pensions, education (GI Bill), home loans, burial.
1-800-827-1000Official siteNote: These are official government and 501(c)(3) hotlines we share as a public service. Ask Helping Hand is not affiliated with these organizations.
Ready to find out?
Call a team members. We'll listen, open a ticket, and tell you exactly which programs to call — and what to ask when you do.
Call free(844) 572-3682