For cancer patients, financial guidance involves a combination of understanding insurance, seeking professional help, and tapping into a wide range of national and local resources designed to alleviate the
significant financial burden of treatment and living expenses.
Key Steps for Financial Management
Consult a Medical Social Worker or Patient Navigator: These professionals, often available at your treatment center, are the best first point of
contact. They can provide personalized guidance, help you understand your insurance, and connect you with relevant resources and
financial assistance programs.
Understand Your Insurance: Carefully review your policy's details, including deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Ask Questions: Talk to your insurance provider's benefits coordinator and the hospital's billing office about coverage for tests,
treatments, and medications.
Monitor Bills: Keep all paperwork organized and match bills with Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements to catch errors.
Explore Government Programs:
Medicare & Medicaid: Check eligibility for these federal and state programs, especially if you are over 65, have a limited income, or have been deemed disabled.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): If you are unable to work due to your condition, apply for disability benefits. Many cancers
are on a "Compassionate Allowances" list, which can expedite the process.
Seek Out Co-Pay and Medication Assistance: Numerous non-profit organizations and pharmaceutical companies offer programs to cover high out-of-pocket
costs for medications.
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
HealthWell Foundation
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief
NeedyMeds and RxAssist: Databases of patient assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers.
Resources for Non-Medical Costs
Managing daily living expenses can be challenging. Resources include:
American Cancer Society (ACS): Offers the "Road to Recovery" program for transportation to treatment and "Hope Lodge" for free lodging near
treatment centers.
CancerCare: Provides limited financial assistance for transportation, home care, and childcare costs.
Joe's House: An online database of hotels offering discounted rates for patients and their families traveling for care.
Healthcare Hospitality Network: An association of organizations providing housing assistance.
Local Resources: Dialing 211 in many areas connects you to local United Way services that can provide referrals for food programs, utility
assistance, and more.
Patient Advocate Foundation: Offers assistance with medical debt and a national financial resource directory.
