RESCU Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RESCU?
RESCU is the acronym for Renaissance Entertainers Services Crafters United, a charity formed to
help ANY festival participant in medical need who may be under-insured or uninsured. Inspired by
the outpouring of love and support for a little girl with leukemia, RESCU has devoted 14 years to
helping relieve medical debt, ensuring accurate medical billing, and bringing preventative and
wellness programs to the festival community.
2. What if I need help or if someone I know needs help?
The RESCU Foundation Medical Aid Form is available on many onsite community boards, the front
page of the RESCU website, or we will mail, or email any participant upon request. Our Aid Intake
staff member will even help you fill the Form out. Once the form is completed, the Aid Panel will give
careful consideration to your application and determine the course of action we can offer. RESCU
does not have the ability to directly relieve anyone's entire financial medical burden but issues the
greatest relief possible with each unique circumstance.
3. Who is eligible for assistance from RESCU?
RESCU offers its programs and assistance to ANY PARTICIPANT of a Faire or Festival, either past
or present, anywhere in the country. If you have or had a participant pass, retired or active, you are
eligible.
4. Will my personal medical and financial information be kept confidential?
YES! For the privacy and protection of those that apply, RESCU follows HIPAA mandates and
privacy laws by keeping all information submitted in strict confidence. We do hope those we
assist choose on their own volition to inform others about what we have done to help them. RESCU
cannot share any information without written permission.
5. Who decides the recipients of the funds and how much they receive?
The Medical Aid Panel is composed of five trusted current and/or retired Board and Staff members.
This panel uses the provided client information to determine eligibility and decide what amount
should be given for medical relief and whether advocacy or other assistance programs are needed.
Ongoing, acute illnesses, or lengthy injuries may be given more than one disbursement.
6. What is RESCU Advocacy?
Once a case is assigned to advocacy, the Case Manager assesses whether each client can actively
participate in the process. If so, that client is mentored to make calls on their own behalf. This is a
rewarding and empowering experience. If the client is unable, an advocate is assigned to help
further. An advocate can help perform many tasks, including negotiating medical bills; assisting with
confusing medical correspondence; establishing payment plans; locating prescription assistance
programs; and assisting with applying for financial assistance from hospitals or other organizations.
pg 1 of 2
180301