TRAGIC RELEIF FUND

Between 2003 and 2007, 7 million Americans filed for bankruptcy.  Statistics show nearly half of the bankruptcies were triggered by medical bills.  Over 2 million Americans are financially ruined each year due to unforeseen medical expenses.  Surprisingly, most of those bankrupted by illness or injury were middle class and had health insurance.

Dealing with the emotions of a sudden tragedy is one of the biggest challenges in life.  Sorting through a continuous stream of unaffordable medical bills can be insulting and leave people feeling helpless.  The IMO Foundation Tragic Relief Fund was established to assist hard-working families with the financial burden of a sudden illness or tragic event.

The IMO Tragic Relief Fund offers two types of relief; Immediate and Post-Event.

Immediate Relief is offered to assist during ongoing care of a sudden and tragic illness or injury.  Financial assistance can be used for accommodations, car rental, co pays, non-covered care, emergency room admission, and out of area/network costs. 

Post-Event Relief is offered to relieve the pressure of mounting medical bills following a sudden and tragic illness or injury.

Approval Process:  A spouse, family member, or friend completes the financial assistance application below.  The completed application is either emailed or mailed to the IMO Foundation (see address below).  The Tragic Relief Fund Committee, consisting of at least 5 Board of Directors, reviews the applications, authenticates, and votes on fund distribution.  The amount of financial assistance provided is voted on by the Board.  Tragic Relief funds are awarded in person by Members of the Board throughout the year and/or at annual IMO Foundation events.

Eligibility:  IMO Tragic Relief Fund recipients must be U.S. Citizens, medically insured, and have a history of employment.

Submit Applications to:

The IMO Foundation

Lynnwood, WA 98036-6745

Tragic_Relief_Fund_App.doc