Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease or managing it yourself can bring a range of challenges. Whether you’re navigating the early stages or more advanced symptoms, affording the necessary care — especially without health insurance — can be a major barrier. Government assistance programs may help ease some of these financial burdens, ensuring that you have access to the care and support you need.

As you learn more about Parkinson’s, one thing becomes clear: Healthcare costs can add up fast. If you or your loved one doesn’t have health insurance through a job, you can look into government assistance programs to help cover some medical costs. Here’s what you need to know about assistance available for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

1. Medicare

Medicare is a government-run health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well for younger individuals with certain disabilities, including Parkinson’s. Medicare includes different parts that help cover routine medical care, hospital services, and prescription drugs.

Because Medicare is run by the federal government, your benefits are the same no matter where you live in the United States. To qualify, you must have held a job that paid into Social Security. You can sign up through the Social Security Administration.

2. Medicaid

If you don’t qualify for Medicare, you might be eligible for Medicaid. This is another government-run health insurance program. Medicaid is run by the federal government and individual state governments together. The federal government outlines the program and sets general rules, but each state implements them its own way. This means Medicaid benefits can vary depending on where you live.

Generally, Medicaid covers people with low incomes, including pregnant adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. Some states offer coverage to all adults with low incomes. You’ll need to contact the agency that runs Medicaid in your state to find out what they cover and if you qualify. They’ll also tell you how to apply.

Stay Informed About Medicaid and Medicare Updates

As of August 2025, lawmakers are discussing possible updates to Medicare and Medicaid as part of new legislation. These proposed changes could affect coverage options, eligibility rules, and out-of-pocket costs. Because Medicare is federally managed, changes would apply nationwide. For Medicaid, the impact may vary by state.

If you’re already enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid or plan to apply, it’s important to follow updates from official sources like Medicare.gov, the SSA, or your state’s Medicaid office. Staying informed will help you understand how any new laws may affect their benefits.

3. Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people who need help paying for basics like food, housing, and clothing. SSI is for people who are older than 65 or have a disability.

You don’t need a history of working or paying Social Security taxes to qualify. However, your income and financial resources must be very limited. To find out if you’re eligible, you can apply online through the SSA.

4. Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who have worked in jobs covered by Social Security but can no longer work because of a disability. To qualify, your disability — such as Parkinson’s disease — must prevent you from working for at least 12 months.

You can apply for SSDI online. You’ll need to show that Parkinson’s keeps you from doing the work you used to do.

In some cases, you can qualify for both SSI and SSDI. After you apply, someone in the Social Security office will tell you if you’re eligible for both programs.

It’s common for initial SSI or SSDI applications to be denied at first. If this happens, you have the right to appeal. You have four separate opportunities to appeal — so even if your first appeal is denied, you can try again three more times. Many people are eventually approved after one or more appeals. You may also consider seeking help from a legal aid organization or disability advocate.

5. The Department of Veterans Affairs

If you or your loved one is a veteran, you likely already have health coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has set up six centers around the country that focus on treating veterans who have Parkinson’s disease. These are called the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers. Each center serves a particular area and is associated with other locations, so you can likely find a facility nearby.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify for care under the VA, you can review their eligibility requirements and apply online. You can also call their hotline for more information or help filling out the application.

6. Community Health and Other Medical Centers

If you’re uninsured or underinsured (your health insurance doesn’t provide the coverage you need), you may be able to get care at a community health center. These centers are funded by the government to provide healthcare to anyone who needs it. Your cost depends on your income and the number of people in your family. You can find a health center near you to get the medical care you need.

Some medical centers participate in the federally funded Hill-Burton program, which provides less expensive — and sometimes free — medical care. Costs are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can check with a location near you to learn what you need to do to qualify for help with Parkinson’s-related care.

7. Other State and Local Resources

Most states and some cities provide lists of resources for older adults. Not all these programs will apply to every person, but they can give you a good idea of what’s available in your state, county, and city. To find resources near you, try searching online using terms like “older adult resources” or “older adult services” along with the name of your city or the one nearest you.

Once you find local resources, you can review them to see which ones might best meet your needs or those of your loved one living with Parkinson’s. After you make a choice, you can apply based on the instructions provided.

The National Council on Aging offers a resource called BenefitsCheckup that can connect you with programs in your area. Just enter your ZIP code to see what’s available, including help with transportation, food, housing, and more. The list may not be comprehensive, but it can give you a good place to start searching for Parkinson’s resources from the government.

Nonprofit Support for Parkinson’s

If these government resources don’t work for you or don’t meet all your needs, nonprofit organizations may offer extra help. Some provide financial assistance, support services, or help paying for medications related to Parkinson’s care. Here are a few well-known options:

• Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF) — Provides copay assistance for Parkinson’s treatment
• The American Parkinson Diseases Association hardship fund — Helps people with urgent financial needs (available in some states)
• Rise Above Parkinson’s — Offers aid for people in Florida
• Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation — Has a financial assistance fund

These are just a few examples. There may be other local or national resources available. Your Parkinson’s care team — including your neurologist, social worker, or physical therapist — and local hospitals can help you find programs and support groups tailored to your needs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you used government assistance programs for Parkinson’s? Which programs helped you? Let others know in the comments below.