When Bermudians face serious medical challenges and are told they need treatment overseas, the news often comes with another heavy burden: the cost.
For nearly a century, the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association has stepped in as a financial safety net, providing critical support when it’s needed most.
LCCA was founded in 1932 by Lady Mary Cubitt, wife of Sir Thomas Cubitt, then the Governor of Bermuda. She was moved by the plight of residents who had worked hard all their lives but had no means of support in later years.
“We have two programmes that we run at the LCCA,” explained Peter Hebberd, the charity’s chair. “The first one is our General Assistance Programme, which Lady Cubitt set up in 1932. That helps people with food and alleviates suffering with medications, etc.”
Thanks to community donations, the GAP distributes $400,000 each year towards grocery vouchers, rest home fees, dental care, summer camps for families in need, Belco vouchers, medication and other essential expenses
Meanwhile, the Patient Overseas Financial Aid Programme, which is administered on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, gives interest-free loans to people who require medical treatment abroad.
“Every year we get a grant from the Government, and that is loaned to people who are uninsured or underinsured,” Mr Hebberd explained.
“FutureCare only pays 75 per cent of overseas treatment; HIP only pays 60 per cent. There are many people who have to go overseas and do not have the funds to make up the difference.”
Cataracts, premature births and serious illness are some of their concerns. LCCA makes the payments on behalf of the patient directly, so they are spared the stress of coordinating with overseas providers.
Once they’ve been approved, each person is asked to provide two guarantors. Flexible payment terms are available, and repayment is crucial, Mr Hebberd stressed.
“If you borrow $1 you pay back $1. The money we get back then gets used again to help send somebody [else] overseas,” he said.
Swift care in times of crisis
Accessing the programme starts with a referral.
“Doctors determine that you need to go away for treatment and the medical social workers will then work with you if you need extra money to go away,” Mr Hebberd added. “Then they will come to us, and we’ll look at the case.”
The amount lent varies but it is typically under $100,000 although it can be as high as $400,000, explained Marisa Nearon Howard.
The executive director of LCCA is one of just two staff members tasked with managing requests around the clock.
Emergency cases – especially those involving air ambulances – are handled swiftly, sometimes within hours.
“We’re dealing with people in crisis. It has to be done right away. It’s also giving people the confidence that we can help them through their emergency and get them on their way as soon as possible,” she said.
The problem is how to keep pace with demand in a community where there is a “huge increase in the have-nots”.
“With a segment of the community becoming more needy, and a reduction in the number of people, we need to get the money in to help people,” Mr Hebberd said.
According to Ms Nearon Howard, programmes such as Home and Age Concern help people secure housing and regain stability. Once back on their feet, many will then turn to the LCCA.
Because many of the people they help prefer to keep their struggles private, much of LCCA’s work goes unnoticed.
“You’re not going to hear about us doing big things, but you can be confident that every day we’re doing something that helps people’s quality of life,” Mr Hebberd said.
Donations can be made at lcca.bm.
