If you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, the stress of medical bills can feel just as overwhelming as the diagnosis itself. The good news is that in Jamaica, there are government-supported programmes that can help.

The two main options are:

• The Compassionate Fund

• The CHASE Fund Medical Assistance Programme

They both provide healthcare support — but they are designed for different situations. Understanding which one applies to you can save valuable time.

The Compassionate Fund

Best for Urgent, Life-Threatening Medical Emergencies

The Compassionate Fund is managed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in partnership with the National Health Fund.

This fund is designed for serious, urgent medical situations, especially when:

• A life-saving surgery is needed

• A specialised procedure cannot be done quickly in the public system

• A dangerous delay could cause death or permanent harm

Examples:

• Emergency heart surgery

• Urgent neurosurgery

• Critical cancer procedures

• Life-saving diagnostics

This fund is about acting quickly when time is critical.

How Much Does It Cover?

There is no fixed grant amount under the Compassionate Fund.

Each case is reviewed individually. Funding depends on:

• Medical urgency

• Financial hardship

• Availability of services in the public system

In some cases, it may:

• Cover the full cost

• Cover part of the cost

• Pay the provider directly

Approval is determined by a selection committee.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a Jamaican citizen or legal resident

• Cannot afford the treatment

• Have a life-threatening or urgent medical condition

How to Apply (Simple Steps)

1. Start with Your Doctor or Hospital
   Often the hospital will guide you if the procedure cannot be done in time.

2. Complete the Online Application
   Visit the Ministry of Health & Wellness website.

3. Submit Strong Medical Evidence
   Include:

   • Diagnostic reports

   • Doctor’s recommendation

   • Official cost estimate

4. Wait for Committee Review
   The case is assessed for urgency and financial need.

The CHASE Fund Medical Assistance Programme

Best for Chronic and Severe Illnesses

The Culture Health Arts Sports and Education Fund (CHASE Fund) Medical Assistance Programme focuses on specific long-term illnesses.

It primarily supports patients diagnosed with:

• Cancer

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

• Heart Disease

These conditions often require ongoing, expensive treatment.

How Much Does CHASE Cover?

Unlike the Compassionate Fund, CHASE generally operates with financial caps per applicant.

This means:

• There is a maximum grant amount per patient

• It may not cover the entire cost of treatment

• Payments are often made directly to the provider

The exact amount depends on:

• The diagnosis

• Type of treatment

• Available funding at the time

CHASE provides assistance, not unlimited coverage.

Who Can Apply?

You must:

• Be a Jamaican national

• Have one of the specified diagnoses

• Demonstrate financial need

How to Apply for CHASE

1. Download the Application Form
   Available from the CHASE Fund website.

2. Have Your Doctor Complete the Medical Sections
   The physician must:

   • Complete all required sections

   • Stamp and sign the form

3. Gather Supporting Documents

   • TRN

   • Valid Government ID

   • Official invoice for treatment

   • Diagnostic reports

4. Write a Personal Letter
   Explain:

   • Your financial situation

   • Why you cannot afford treatment

   • Any dependents or existing medical expenses

5. Submit the Application
   Deliver to the CHASE Fund office or follow their submission instructions.

Why Applications Get Rejected

Most delays happen because of:

• Missing sections on the form
• No doctor’s stamp
• Expired ID
• TRN mismatch
• No detailed invoice
• Weak explanation of financial hardship

Before submitting, double-check everything.

Here’s a Quick Comparison

Medical crises are hard enough without financial panic.

The most important thing is applying to the right programme with complete documentation.

• Be organized
• Get strong medical reports
• Submit all required documents
• Follow up politely

Help is available — but preparation makes the difference.