Financial Assistance and Resources for Cancer Care

Healthcare costs concern many people, and especially those being treated for serious illnesses such as cancer. Expenses for treatments, hospital stays, and medications can take a financial toll on patients and their families. If you are concerned about medical costs for your cancer care, you'll be glad to know there are organizations that may be able to help you.

For your convenience, we have listed some organizations that provide help to patients who do not have health insurance or for those who need help to cover healthcare costs. We have also listed some ideas that may provide helpful information on managing medical expenses. Do not let financial worries keep you from seeking treatment for your cancer when help is available.

Financial options for cancer patients

• Check with your healthcare providers. If you have financial concerns, consider talking to your doctor, or the hospital or clinic where you receive treatment. Many hospitals have medical social workers who may be able to provide you with information on financial assistance in your area. Hospital or clinic business offices may also be able to provide you with ideas and resources for financial assistance.

• Talk with your clergy. Often, churches, temples, or mosques can help members in need, or they can work on your behalf. Your clergy may also be able to direct you to community resources.

• Consider a fundraiser. Some find that friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors are willing to help financially. Check on the Internet or your local library for information on how to organize a fundraiser.

• Call local and/or state departments of social services. These services often provide food, housing, prescription drugs, and help with medical expenses for those who may not be eligible for other programs. Some also provide or can arrange transportation service. Check your local telephone directory for the phone number.

• Contact voluntary and service organizations. Groups such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer help. Look in your local telephone directories for listings.

• Take tax deductions for medical costs. Medical costs that are not covered by insurance can sometimes be deducted from annual income before taxes. These expenses may include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs or equipment, and the cost of meals during extended medical stays. Contact your local Internal Revenue Service office or an accountant or tax consultant to find out which costs are tax deductible. Look in your telephone directory or go to http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.
  

• Find hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds. Hill-Burton is a U.S. government program that provides construction funds to hospitals. Hospitals that receive these funds are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for hospitalization. Information on Hill-Burton is also available in Spanish. Call 1-800-638-0742 or go online to http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr/obtain/obtain.htm.

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Organizations that may offer financial assistance

• American Cancer Society
  Telephone: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
  Web site: http://www.cancer.org

• Avon
  Telephone: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
  Web site: http://www.cancercare.org

• Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF)
  Telephone: 1-800-366-CCCF (1-800-366-2223)
  Web site: http://www.candlelighters.org

• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  Telephone: 1-800-955-4572
  Web site: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

• Medicaid
  Check your local directory for listing.
  Web site: http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid

• Medicare
  Telephone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-877-486-2048
  Web site: http://www.medicare.gov

• Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
  Telephone: 1-800-532-5274
  Web site: http://www.patientadvocate.org

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
  Telephone: 1-800-772-1213
  TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-800-325-0778
  Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

• State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
  Telephone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
  Web site: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

• Veterans Administration
  Telephone: 1-800-827-1000
  Web site: http://www.va.gov/

Resources for Information

• Cancer Information Service
  Telephone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
  TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-800-332-8615

• National Cancer Institute Online
  Web site: http://cancer.gov

• CancerMail Service
  To obtain a list of topics related to cancer, send an e-mail to cancermail@icicc.nci.nih.gov with the word "help" in the body of the message.

• CancerFax®
  Fax-on-demand Service Dial
  301-402-5874
  or
  1-800-624-2511 and listen for recorded instructions.

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• Patient Education Brochure (Adobe® PDF)

• Read an excerpt from my Healing Companion

• Download Activity Sheets
  from Beverly Kirkhart's book