Who do I call? Where to get help

Real numbers and real guidance — not a list of websites. Written by somebody who needed it and could not find it.

If this is an emergency, stop here. Chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, drooping or confusion, a first seizure, heavy bleeding — call emergency services or go in now. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988. Poison: 1-800-222-1222. Those three numbers are the whole of this page if you need them tonight.

This isn't just a list of websites. This is a guide to actually getting help when you're drowning.

I learned this the hard way. When Anne was diagnosed, people handed me pamphlets with phone numbers. Websites with forms. "Resources available."

None of it told me what to actually do. Who to call first. What to say when I called. How to navigate the bureaucracy when I was exhausted and terrified.

So here's what I wish someone had handed me - real guidance for real people in crisis.

EMERGENCY RESOURCES (Call Right Now If You Need These)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

When to call:

What happens when you call:

Real talk: I almost called this number twice while Anne was hospitalized. Caregiver burnout is real. There's no shame in needing help.

National Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

When to call:

What happens:

I called them when Anne took double dose of her medication by mistake. They walked me through exactly what to watch for. Saved an unnecessary ER visit.

911 - When to Actually Call

Call immediately for:

Don't call for:

When you call 911:

MEDICAL INFORMATION RESOURCES (Learning About Your Condition)

Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)

What it is:

The Mayo Clinic is one of the best hospitals in the country. Their website explains medical conditions in language regular people can understand.

How to use it:

  1. Go to mayoclinic.org
  2. Type your condition in the search box (example: "kidney disease")
  3. Click on the article that matches
  4. Read the sections: Overview, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment

What's good about it:

What's NOT good about it:

Real example:

When Anne was diagnosed with MGRS, I went to Mayo Clinic first. I read it three times - once while crying, once taking notes, once with Anne to explain what I learned. It helped us ask better questions at the next appointment.

MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov)

What it is:

Run by the National Library of Medicine (part of the US government). Like Mayo Clinic but more basic - good if Mayo Clinic feels too advanced.

How to use it:

  1. Go to medlineplus.gov
  2. Type condition or medication name
  3. Click "Health Topics" for conditions
  4. Click "Drugs & Supplements" for medication info

What's good about it:

What's NOT good about it:

When to use which:

UpToDate Patient Information (uptodate.com/contents/table-of-contents/patient-education)

What it is:

Doctors use UpToDate to look things up. They have a patient version that's more detailed than Mayo Clinic but still understandable.

How to use it:

  1. Go to the link above
  2. Browse by category (Heart & Blood Vessels, Kidneys, etc.)
  3. Find your topic
  4. Note: Some content requires subscription, but patient basics are free

What's good about it:

What's NOT good about it:

When to use it:

After you understand the basics (from Mayo Clinic or MedlinePlus) and want to dig deeper before your specialist appointment.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MEDICATIONS

Drugs.com

What it is:

Comprehensive database of every medication, including interactions and side effects.

How to use it:

For drug interactions (CRITICAL):

  1. Go to drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
  2. Enter ALL your medications (including over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements)
  3. Click "Check for Interactions"
  4. Read results carefully - pay attention to "major" interactions

For understanding a medication:

  1. Go to drugs.com
  2. Search medication name
  3. Read: "What is [drug]?", "Important information", "Side effects"
  4. Print it. Bring it to your doctor if you have questions.

Real example:

This is how I discovered Anne's statin + steroid interaction. The site flagged it as "major" interaction with muscle damage risk. I printed it. Took it to her doctor. Saved her life.

What's good:

What's NOT good:

Your Pharmacist (Free Resource You're Not Using)

What they are:

Your pharmacist went to school for 6-8 years. They're experts in medications. And they're standing there, available, every time you pick up a prescription.

How to use them:

Every time you get a new prescription, ask:

  1. "What is this medication supposed to do?"
  2. "When should I take it?" (morning/night, with food/without)
  3. "What are the most common side effects I should watch for?"
  4. "Does this interact with my other medications?" (they can check)
  5. "What should I do if I miss a dose?"

For medication problems:

Why this matters:

Pharmacists catch medication errors doctors make. They're your safety net. Use them.

Real example:

Our pharmacist noticed Anne was prescribed two medications that both lower blood pressure. Called the doctor before filling it. Doctor had made a mistake. Pharmacist caught it.

FINDING DOCTORS AND GETTING SECOND OPINIONS

Finding a Good Doctor (When Your Current One Isn't Working)

Signs you need a new doctor:

How to find a new one:

Step 1: Ask people you trust

Step 2: Check credentials

  1. Go to your state medical board website
  2. Search: "[Your State] medical board doctor lookup"
  3. Enter doctor's name
  4. Check: Are they licensed? Any disciplinary actions?

Step 3: Check if they take your insurance

Step 4: Interview them on first visit

Ask:

If they get defensive at these questions, that's your answer. Leave.

Getting a Second Opinion (You're Allowed!)

When you need a second opinion:

How to get a second opinion:

Step 1: Tell your doctor (usually)

"I'd like to get a second opinion before deciding on treatment."

Most good doctors will say: "That's reasonable. Here's a referral."

Bad doctors will get offended. That tells you something important.

Step 2: Get your medical records

You need to bring complete records to the second opinion appointment.

How to request:

Step 3: Find the specialist

Step 4: At the appointment

What if opinions conflict?

VERMONT-SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Vermont 211 - One Number for Everything

Phone: 2-1-1 (or 1-877-211-1541 from cell phone)

What it is:

It's like a librarian for social services. You call, explain what you need help with, they tell you where to go.

When to call:

How it works:

  1. Call 211
  2. Explain your situation
  3. They search their database
  4. They give you names, phone numbers, addresses of organizations that can help
  5. They can even call on your behalf if you want

It's free. Available 24/7. Multilingual.

Real example:

When Anne couldn't drive herself to chemotherapy, I called 211. They connected us with a volunteer driver program I didn't know existed. Free rides to medical appointments.

Vermont Department of Health (802-863-7200)

What they do:

Public health programs, immunizations, disease information, health screening programs.

Most useful programs:

When to call:

Area Agencies on Aging (Different numbers for each county)

What they do:

Help seniors (60+) and their caregivers with just about everything.

Services include:

How to find your local office:

Call 211 and ask for your Area Agency on Aging, or search online: "Vermont area agency on aging [your county]"

Real example:

Our local AAA connected us with a Medicare counselor who helped us understand Anne's drug coverage. Saved us over $5,000 in out-of-pocket costs by switching to a better plan.

What they do:

Free legal help for low-income Vermonters.

They help with:

When to call:

Income limits apply - call to see if you qualify.

Vermont Blueprint for Health

What it is:

Program that helps coordinate care for people with chronic conditions.

What they do:

How to access:

Ask your primary care doctor if they participate in Blueprint. If yes, ask to be referred to the community health team.

Real example:

Blueprint nurse came to our house monthly when Anne was sickest. Checked vitals, made sure she was taking medications correctly, coordinated with her doctors. Felt like having a nurse in the family.

FINANCIAL HELP WITH MEDICAL BILLS

Hospital Charity Care (Every Hospital Has This - They Don't Advertise It)

What it is:

Hospitals are required to provide free or reduced-cost care to people who can't afford to pay. But you have to ASK for it.

How to access:

Step 1: Don't ignore the bill

Step 2: Say this

"I received a bill for $[amount]. I can't afford to pay this. I'd like to apply for financial assistance."

Step 3: They'll send you an application

Step 4: Wait for decision

Real example:

After Anne's hospitalization (\$45,000 bill), we applied for charity care. They reduced it to \$3,000 based on our income and expenses. Then we negotiated a payment plan: \$100/month.

Don't assume you don't qualify. Even people with decent incomes can qualify if they have high medical expenses.

Prescription Assistance Programs

What they are:

Most drug manufacturers have programs that give free or low-cost medications to people who can't afford them.

How to access:

Option 1: NeedyMeds (needymeds.org)

  1. Go to website
  2. Click "Drug Information"
  3. Type your medication name
  4. Click on your medication
  5. Scroll to "Patient Assistance Programs"
  6. Follow application instructions

Option 2: Ask your doctor's office

"I can't afford this medication. Are there patient assistance programs available?"

Many doctors' offices have staff who help with these applications.

Option 3: GoodRx (goodrx.com)

Not a patient assistance program, but a discount card.

  1. Go to goodrx.com
  2. Type medication name
  3. Enter your ZIP code
  4. See prices at different pharmacies
  5. Show the coupon at pharmacy

Sometimes GoodRx prices are cheaper than your insurance copay!

Real example:

Anne's IVIG infusions cost \$15,000 per treatment. Patient assistance program from the manufacturer: free for 2 years while we fought with insurance.

Medicaid (Vermont Medicaid is called "Green Mountain Care")

What it is:

Government health insurance for people with low income.

Who qualifies:

What it covers:

How to apply:

  1. Go to VermontHealthConnect.gov
  2. Click "Apply for Coverage"
  3. Create account
  4. Fill out application (takes 30-60 minutes)
  5. Upload documents they request
  6. Wait for decision (usually 45 days, faster if urgent)

OR call: 1-855-899-9600

If you're denied:

Appeal! Many people get denied first time, approved on appeal.

Medicare (For 65+, or Disabled, or Certain Illnesses)

What it is:

Federal health insurance for:

Parts of Medicare:

How to enroll:

CRITICAL: Don't miss your enrollment window or you pay penalties forever!

Medicare counseling (free help):

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org)

What it is:

National organization focused on helping caregivers, not just patients.

What's useful:

When to use it:

Real talk:

I used their "Taking Care of YOU" section when I was falling apart. It helped me realize I wasn't failing - the job is impossible without support.

AARP Caregiving Resources (aarp.org/caregiving)

Don't need to be a member to use these resources.

What's useful:

Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org)

What it is:

Largest caregiver support organization in the US.

What's useful:

Local Support Groups (Find Through 211 or Hospitals)

Why in-person support groups matter:

How to find:

Example groups in Vermont:

UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE AND FIGHTING DENIALS

How to Read Your Insurance Card

Your insurance card has critical information you need to understand:

Front of card:

Back of card:

Copay information:

Keep a photo of your card on your phone. Bring card to every appointment.

What Insurance Actually Pays For (The Truth)

Common misconception: "I have insurance, so they'll pay for my treatment."

Reality: Insurance companies look for reasons to deny coverage. Your job is to not give them reasons.

Pre-authorization (Pre-cert):

In-network vs. Out-of-network:

Medical necessity:

How to Fight an Insurance Denial (Step by Step)

Step 1: Don't panic

Most denials can be overturned on appeal. Insurance companies count on you giving up.

Step 2: Understand WHY they denied

Read the denial letter carefully. Common reasons:

Step 3: Call your doctor's office

"My insurance denied [X]. Can you help me appeal?"

Good doctor's offices have staff who fight denials all the time. They know what to say.

Step 4: File the appeal

Denial letter will have instructions for appealing. Usually:

Step 5: Keep appealing

Most insurance has multiple levels of appeal:

Each level gives you another chance to win.

Sample appeal letter template:

```

[Date]

[Insurance Company Name]

Appeals Department

[Address from denial letter]

RE: Appeal of Claim Denial

Member: [Your Name]

Member ID: [Your number]

Claim Number: [From denial letter]

Date of Service: [Date]

Dear Appeals Department:

I am writing to appeal your denial of [specific treatment/test]

dated [date of denial].

You denied this claim stating [quote their reason]. I disagree

for the following reasons:

  1. My doctor, [Doctor Name], has determined this treatment is

medically necessary because [explain medical reason].

  1. [Explain your symptoms/condition and why you need this

treatment].

  1. [If applicable] This treatment is considered standard care

for my condition according to [medical society/guidelines].

Enclosed please find:

I request that you overturn this denial and approve coverage

for this medically necessary treatment.

If you need additional information, please contact me at

[phone] or [email].

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your printed name]

```

Real example:

Anne's IVIG infusions were denied three times as "not medically necessary." We appealed three times with letters from her hematologist. Won on third appeal. \$15,000 per treatment, 6 treatments = \$90,000 saved.

CRISIS RESOURCES (For When You're at the Breaking Point)

Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)

What it is:

Text-based crisis counseling. Available 24/7. Free.

When to use:

How it works:

  1. Text "HOME" to 741741
  2. Automated response asks what's wrong
  3. Within minutes, you're connected to trained crisis counselor
  4. Text back and forth until you're stabilized
  5. They help you make a safety plan

Why I'm including this:

When you're a caregiver in crisis at 2am, you can't call anyone. But you can text. I almost used this several times.

NAMI Vermont (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Phone: 802-876-7949 or 800-639-6480

What they do:

When to call:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)

National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)

What it is:

24/7 free confidential helpline for substance abuse and mental health issues.

They help with:

Languages: English and Spanish

THE PLATFORM RESOURCES

Main Platform

Website: [platform-url]

What you can do:

For Medical Professionals

Website: [platform-url]/medical-professionals

Resources:

For Students and Researchers

Website: [platform-url]/researchers

How to access:

Platform Support

Email: [support-email]

Response time: Usually within 24 hours

When to contact:

HOW TO ACTUALLY USE THIS APPENDIX

When you're first diagnosed:

  1. Start with Mayo Clinic or MedlinePlus (learn about your condition)
  2. Use Drugs.com (check your medications)
  3. Find your Area Agency on Aging if 60+ (they help with everything)
  4. Call Vermont 211 (they'll connect you to resources you need)

When you're drowning in medical bills:

  1. Hospital charity care (apply immediately)
  2. Prescription assistance programs (for expensive medications)
  3. Vermont Legal Aid (if insurance denying coverage)
  4. Medicaid (if low income)

When you're burning out as a caregiver:

  1. AARP or Family Caregiver Alliance (education and support)
  2. Local support groups (through 211 or hospitals)
  3. Area Agency on Aging (respite care, Meals on Wheels)
  4. Crisis Text Line or 988 (if at breaking point)

When insurance denies something:

  1. Call your doctor's office (they fight denials professionally)
  2. File appeal (use template above)
  3. Keep appealing through all levels
  4. Vermont Legal Aid if you need help

When you need to understand your labs:

  1. Try the platform (upload and get analysis)
  2. Use Appendix C in this book (explains common tests)
  3. Ask your pharmacist (they often explain better than doctors)
  4. Bring questions to doctor with specific numbers

THE BOTTOM LINE

You're not alone.

Every resource listed here exists because other people struggled and needed help.

Every phone number is answered by someone who wants to help you.

Every website was created by people who've been where you are.

Don't be too proud to ask for help.

Don't assume you don't qualify for assistance.

Don't give up after one denial or one "no."

The system is complicated on purpose. They count on you giving up.

Don't give up.

Call 211 if you don't know where to start. They'll walk you through it.

Use the platform to understand your health data. It's free.

Take it one resource at a time. One phone call. One application. One step.

You can do this. People do it every day. You're one of them now.

Next: Appendix C - Understanding Your Lab Tests (What they mean in plain English)

Where this came from. Written 10 October 2025 and recovered from the archive on 4 September 2026. It is reproduced here as written, converted from the original rather than retyped, so it cannot quietly drift from its source.

What we do and do not claim about it. These are other people’s services, not ours, and they do not carry our evidence grades — we grade our own pages, not the whole internet. What we can tell you is that somebody here used these and wrote down what each one is bad at as well as what it is good for, which is the part a search engine will never give you.

Phone numbers change. If one of these is wrong or dead, the comment rail in the margin is the fastest way to tell us, and fixing it is a five-minute job.