Cancer medication can be expensive.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a significant strain on a patient's physical, spiritual and financial life. The financial burden can become enormous if there is little income to cover treatments. Often insurance will not cover copayments, transportation costs and childcare.
Financial assistance in the form of grants are available for cancer patients. Financial programs have specific requirements based on need, income and type of diagnosis. Social workers can assist cancer patients with programs that offer financial assistance. Nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding a cure can provide financial aid to qualified applicants. A grant application and doctor's statement are often required for submission.
Cancer Care
For more than 60 years, Cancer Care has provided limited grants for expenses related to cancer treatments. The nonprofit organization provides free professional support to those affected by cancer, including caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved. Applications are available to individuals affected by cancer nationwide by contacting the center. Cancer Care (see Resources) administers several programs on behalf of other nonprofit foundations for specific cancer assistance.
For individuals with breast cancer, a partnership with AVON Cares offers limited financial assistance for home-care, childcare and transportation. The Linking A.R.M.S program works in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Grants are available for treatment of hormonal and oral chemotherapy , medication for nausea, supplies for lymphoma after-care and durable equipment.
The Door to Door program offers grants for multiple myeloma patients. Grants can be used to cover transportation costs such as gasoline, parking and tolls. Women and men with any type of cancer diagnosis can apply for grants to assist with transportation, home-care, childcare and pain medication through Cancer Cares. Children under age 18 can receive grants for co-pays, medication, childcare, home-care and transportation.
Cancer Care
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
cancercare.org
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a nonprofit association dedicated to cancer research, education and patient services. Since 1949, their mission has been to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The organization strives to improve the quality of life for patients affected by this form of cancer and their families.
Patient Financial Aid provides grants up to $500 a year for uncovered expenses including prescriptions, medical tests and transportation costs. Recipients must be under a doctor's care for a confirmed blood cancer diagnosis at the time of submitting an application and demonstrate financial need. Contact a local Leukemia & Lymphoma chapter in your state for an application or the main office for the chapter nearest you.
Patients who participate in the financial aid program may also qualify for the Co-Pay Assistance program. Up to $10,000 is available for cancer treatment co-pays, private health insurance premiums and co-payments from Medicare Part B and D. Applications can be submitted online for this program.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310
White Plains, NY 10605
800-955-4572
LLS.org
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation is a nonprofit association providing support and case management for individuals with chronic, life-threatening and debilitating illness, including cancer. The Colorectal Care program provides financial aid in the amount of $400 to colorectal cancer patients with specific expenses and family income. Funds are available for transportation reimbursement, temporary lodging, childcare and food costs associated with out-of-town treatment. Recipients must have an income of less than $75,000 annually. Applications can be completed by phone when calling the Colorectal CareLine.
Patient Advocate Foundation
421 Butler Farm Road
Hampton, VA 23666
866-657-8634
Colorectalcareline.org
Tags: Cancer Care, Advocate Foundation, cancer diagnosis, cancer patients, Leukemia Lymphoma
