Getting Help with Expenses
Undergoing cancer treatment is challenging enough, but it can also be expensive. You may worry about your ability to pay for treatment along with other necessities, like food, housing, and travel. Ask your healthcare provider to direct you to patient advocates and social workers.
Do not let financial constraints deter you from getting the care or treatment you deserve and need.
Watch this webinar to learn more about options for financial support. Dr. Alicia Morgans speaks with social worker Max McMahon, LICSW, and oncology nurse practitioner Stacy Walker, CNP.
Here are some resources that may help:
Paying for Treatment
- U.S. government programs include Medicare (for age 65 or older) and Medicaid (depending on your income)
- Organizations such as CancerCare and the Patient Advocate Foundation offer some direct financial assistance and can help you navigate through insurance and other financial assistance programs
- Many pharmaceutical companies have treatment assistance programs. Ask your doctor for more information or seek out these companies online
- Speak with your doctor and hospital’s billing department early, so that you do not have unexpected bills. You may be able to arrange a payment plan
- There may be alternate medicine choices that may be covered differently and/or have a different co-pay. Ask your doctor if this is the case
Housing
- Your cancer treatment center might be far from home, making it difficult for your family to remain with you. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and the Healthcare Hospitality Network provide low-cost or free housing for families of cancer patients
- Medical bills can put a strain on other costs like mortgage or rent payments. Speak with your bank or landlord to see if they can make accommodations. You can also explore programs for affordable rental housing sponsored by the government
- If you are a Veteran, check with your local VA about possible resources
Travel
- Mercy Medical Angels provides free medical transportation for patients in need. Your Medicaid office might offer assistance with treatment-related travel
Food
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides electronic credits to allow families in need to shop for groceries. Go to www.fns.usda.gov/snap to learn more
- Feeding America helps families find local food banks
Caregiver Expenses
- Depending on your stage of cancer, type of treatment, and overall health status, you might benefit from having a designated paid caregiver. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn about social services programs that can help you pay for in-home care
Other Resources We Have Compiled are Listed Below
| Organization/Program | Phone |
|---|---|
| CancerCare Co-pay Assistance Program | (866) 552-729 |
| PAF – Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program | (866) 512-861 |
| IMPACT (California only) | (800) 409-252 |
| Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program: Breast, Cervical, Colorectal and Prostate Cancer (New York only) | (866) 442-262 |
| Family Reach | (857) 233-764 |
| Triage Cancer | (424) 258-4628 |
| GoodRx.com | |
| HRSA Consolidated Health Centers Find a health center | |
| Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care | (800) 638–0742 Maryland residents call (800) 492–0359 |
| Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation | (866) 316-263 (833) 662-030 |
| Transportation Grants | |
| VA Financial Hardship Assistance (Veterans only) | (866) 400-238 |
| Medicine Assistance Tool | |
| Free or Low-Cost Disposable Adult Diapers |