The Upside Fund Medical Assistance Program

Helping Reduce the Burden of Medical Debt

At The Upside Fund, we believe no one should have to face a serious health challenge while also carrying an overwhelming financial burden.

Through our Medical Assistance Program, we provide grants to help eligible individuals reduce or eliminate medical expenses.

While we wish we could assist everyone who applies, funding is limited. To ensure support reaches those with the greatest financial need, we use the following guidelines when reviewing applications.

We know that applying for assistance can feel vulnerable. Please share only what you are comfortable sharing. Any information you provide will be reviewed confidentially and used solely to evaluate your application.

Eligibility Guidelines

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Treatment or procedures must be considered medically necessary.
Applicants must reside in the United States.
Medical providers or healthcare facilities must be located in the United States.
The total outstanding balance owed to healthcare providers must be $10,000 or less.
Household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (approximately $120,000 annually for a household of four, with limits varying by household size).
Grant funds may only be used for healthcare-related expenses.
Individual grants are available for up to $5,000.

Please note that meeting these guidelines does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and grant awards are subject to available funding.

Documentation Required

To help us verify eligibility, applicants will be asked to provide the following:

Proof of Income

Please provide one of the following:

Most recent federal tax return, or
Recent pay stubs

Medical Documentation

Please provide:

A medical bill, statement, or estimate from your healthcare provider, and
Documentation confirming your diagnosis and/or treatment

How The Process Works

Submit your application and supporting documentation.

The Upside Fund team will review your application and determine eligibility.

If your application is approved, The Upside Fund and its partners will first work with you to identify opportunities to reduce or negotiate your medical bills whenever possible.

After all available reductions and assistance programs have been explored, The Upside Fund may pay any remaining eligible balance, up to $5,000, directly to the healthcare provider. Please note that grant payments are made directly to providers and not to applicants.