Have you ever passed on getting a scan, skipped a doctor’s appointment, or skimped on pills or groceries because of money?
If you have, you are not alone. Forty one percent of cancer patients surveyed by Duke University in 2011 said their cancer care costs left them “significantly burdened,” at best. At worst, they called their situation “catastrophic.” Even with insurance, their out of pocket expenses averaged $712 a month.
We’ll look at two ways to lighten your financial load: 1) measures you can take on your own and 2) places you can go for assistance.
Ways you, yourself, can ease your financial burden …
First, speak up.
- Ask your doctor if there are generic or less expensive medications found to be as effective.
- Talk to the social worker at your hospital or treatment center about financial resources; this is someone who may lead you to discounted childcare, housekeeping, transportation to and from treatments and/or other help you may not have thought to ask for. (Read on for contact info on specific organizations).
- Ask your doctor’s and hospital’s billing offices about payment plans—or better yet, ask if they will cut your bill.
- Even tell creditors what you are going through. Believe it or not, they have gotten cancer bills paired down too.
- Reach out to your utility company; you may qualify for a disability waiver or low-income energy assistance program.
- Let friends and family help. Even if you are not sure you want to let them lend or give you money, they will likely want to if they can. You can even set up on-line fundraisers through organizations like Give Forward.com and YouCaring.com
- Don’t think twice about calling on Uncle Sam if you can’t work. You might qualify for disability insurance through Social Security. It’s not easy to get, though hiring a lawyer helps. You pay the lawyer only if you are awarded benefits. Know there are two types of federal disability insurance: SSI and SSDI. Here’s more on how to apply.
- Reach out to local religious organizations, like charitable groups of churches and synagogues, the YMCA or YWCA.
Organizations that help cancer patients
Medications/Health Care
Cancercare.org. Financial assistance with some medications, medical equipment and co-payments for patients at 250% of the poverty level; www.cancercare.org
HealthWell Foundation. Assistance with medical expenses, established by specific disease. Grant ranges from $2,000 to about $15,000. Applicants must have insurance and income at up to 400% of the federal poverty level; http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
Needymeds. One-stop resource to find financial assistance for medications and health care costs; www.needymeds.org
Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Helps uninsured and financially struggling patients access prescriptions for free or nearly free;www.pparx.org
Basic Needs
Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund (BMCF). For patients ages 18-40. Helps with expenses like medical co-payments, rent and mortgage, transportation, car insurance, repairs, and groceries; http://www.bmcf.net
Cancer Fund of America. Help with hygiene products, some medications and vitamins, and other products;www.cfoa.org/available_products.html
National Children’s Cancer Society. Two programs for families with a child with cancer: Transportation Assistance (mileage, airfare, bus, train & cab fare, etc,) and Emergency Assistance (help with mortgage, rent, children’s health insurance premiums, etc); http://www.thenccs.org/help
United Way. Their telephone helpline provides information and referral with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling resources, and more. www.211.org
House Cleaning
Cleaning for a Reason. Free. Four monthly cleanings for women undergoing cancer treatment. In many states. www.cleaningforareason.org
Legal Assistance/Advocacy
Cancer Legal Resource Center. Free legal information and resources on cancer-related legal issues for cancer survivors, their families, and others dealing with cancer; http://www.lls.edu/academics/candp/clrc.html
Patient Advocate Foundation. Not a legal service, but will advocate for patients whose insurance companies’ practices are questionable or will help find insurance; www.patientadvocatefoundation.org
Transportation
Free GasUSA. Assistance paying for gas for low-income individuals and families. Must be used to get to treatments, grocery shopping, and other places of necessity; www.freegasusa.org
Road to Recovery. Volunteer drivers take patients to and from treatment at no cost if they don’t have transportation or can’t drive.http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-torecovery
For more ground transportation help see:
**Entries under “Basic Needs”
**The following entry under “Airfare”: National Patient Travel Center
Airfare
- Air Care Alliance (ACA). Provides listing of nonprofit organizations, nationwide, that fly patients to treatments at no charge;http://www.aircarealliance.org/
- Corporate Angel Network, Inc. (CAN). Free airfare for cancer patients who can walk and travel without life-support or medical attention;www.corpangelnetwork.org
- National Patient Travel Center Helpline. Gateway leading to free or deeply discounted airfare as well as ground transportation for trips up to 300 miles to get to and from treatment; http://www.patienttravel.org/
For more free or discounted services and products for cancer patients:
http://www.1uponcancer.com/freebies-and-discounts-for-cancer-patients/
If you liked this article, scroll to the top and “Subscribe.”
http://livinglydying.com/
Best,
Rachel