Financial Aid for Cancer Patients - Financial Aid for Cancer Patients

Financial Aid for Cancer Patients
Managing Debt Crisis, Health Insurance, and Financial Assistance
© Jamie McIntosh
Nov 11, 2007
Suite101

Cancer places a tremendous financial burden on patients, even when health insurance is in place. Many organizations can help.

Cancer is an expensive disease to treat. Doctors, laboratories, pathologists, oncologists, and other specialists may send out separate bills for their services. Even if you have health insurance, your deductibles can cause out-of-pocket expenses to strain your budget. After you’ve received a diagnosis of cancer, you may want to meet with a social worker to help you understand the hospital’s billing process. Some hospitals assign a patient advocate to help patients navigate their health care system.

If you are underinsured or uninsured, you may feel tempted to let the bills pile up without addressing their mounting reality. Although denial is a powerful coping mechanism, you must not allow payment deadlines to pass without addressing a payment plan. Many government agencies and non-profit organizations exist that provide financial assistance for cancer care. You may qualify for free or reduced cost cancer treatment if you meet certain qualifications. Explore each resource in this article, and take steps to ease your financial concerns today.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society has several programs to help cancer patients with financial assistance. The Hope Lodge program provides free temporary housing for cancer patients in treatment. The Road to Recovery provides free transportation for cancer patients within their community. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more information and referrals.

Hill-Burton Hospital Program

Hospitals that receive construction funds from the federal government must provide some services to cancer patients who can’t afford to pay for their care. Approximately 300 hospitals take part in this program. Call 1-800-638-0742 to find a participating hospital in your area.

Medicare
Although you may be aware of Medicare’s role in providing health care for seniors, you may not know that Medicare also assists patients with kidney failure and disabled people. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for an explanation of services.

CancerCare

CancerCare provides grants to help cancer patients cover the cost of cancer treatment expenses, but they also provide financial aid to help patients pay for the additional childcare or home care expenses incurred during therapy. Call 1-800-813-HOPE for a financial assistance application.

Patient Advocate Foundation
If your hospital doesn’t have a patient advocate program, you can find similar services through this non-profit organization. This is one of the few resources where insured cancer patients can get financial help to relieve their co-pay burden. Call them toll-free at 1-866-512-3861.

National Patient Travel Center

This organization runs a free 24-hour hotline to refer patients to the most appropriate charitable air travel program. Referrals include deep discount airline tickets, volunteer pilot organizations, and air ambulance programs. Call 1-800-296-1217 for a referral.

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA serves people of all faiths by providing emergency health care, housing, and other services to those in need. Assistance can include rent or mortgage assistance, medical supplies, help with utility bills, and transportation to medical appointments. Call your local Catholic Charities agency for details.

NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds simplifies the process of exploring the patient assistance programs provided by drug manufacturers, as well as government drug programs and discount drug cards. You can search the NeedyMeds database for thousands of brand name and generic drugs available free or at a reduced cost.

Related Article: State Health Insurance Pools

The copyright of the article Financial Aid for Cancer Patients in Cancer is owned by Jamie McIntosh. Permission to republish Financial Aid for Cancer Patients in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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