| ||||
| ||||
Financial Assistance for Cancer Care
Cancer imposes heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. For many people, a portion of medical expenses is paid by their health insurance plan. For individuals who do not have health insurance or who need financial assistance to cover health care costs, resources are available, including Government-sponsored programs and services supported by voluntary organizations.
Cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns they may have about health care costs with their physician, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.
The organizations and resources listed below may offer financial assistance. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified.
Social Security provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to apply for benefits is available from the Social Security Administration. Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supplements Social Security payments for individuals who have certain income and resource levels. SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to file a claim is available from the Social Security Administration. Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for those who receive Social Security benefits. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and disabled people under age 65 who have received Social Security payments for at least 24 months. To receive information on eligibility, explanations of coverage, and to enroll, call the Social Security Administration. Some publications are available in Spanish. Web site: http://www.medicare.gov
* Medicaid (Medical Assistance) provides health insurance for low income and poor people who are elderly, blind, or disabled as well as for certain groups of children. Services are coordinated by state or local government through the Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration. Check the local telephone directory for the number to call. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices. Web site: http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mcaicnsm.htm
* General Assistance programs provide food, housing, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Funds are often limited. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local Department of Social Services; this number is found in the local telephone directory.
* Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans and their dependents may receive cancer treatment at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided, and treatment for other conditions may be available based on the veteran's financial need. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices. Telephone: 1-800-827-1000 Web site: http://www.va.gov/benefits.htm
* Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish. Telephone: 1-800-638-0742 Web site: http://www.hrsa.dhhs.gov/osp/dfcr/obtain/consfaq.htm * The national American Cancer Society (ACS) office can provide the telephone number of the local ACS office serving your area. The local ACS office may offer reimbursement for expenses related to cancer treatment. This may include reimbursement for transportation, medicine, and medical supplies. The ACS also offers programs that help cancer patients, family members, and friends cope with the emotional challenges they face. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available. Telephone: 1-800-ACS-2345 Web site: http://www.cancer.org
* The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is an organization that provides support, advocacy, and information for families of children with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer. Emergency funding, summer camps, transportation, and publications are among the services the CCCF provides. Telephone: 1-800-366-2223 Web site: http://www.candlelighters.org
* The Leukemia Society of America (LSA) offers information and financial aid to patients who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or multiple myeloma. Callers may request a booklet describing LSA's Patient Aid Program or the telephone number for their local LSA office. Some publications are available in Spanish. Telephone: 1-800-955-4LSA Web site: http://www.leukemia.org
* Patient Assistance Programs to help pay for drugs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers. To learn whether a specific drug might be available at reduced cost through such a program, talk with a physician or a medical social worker.
* Income Tax Deductions: Medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies sometimes can be deducted from annual income before taxes. Examples of tax deductible expenses might 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 lengthy medical visits. The local Internal Revenue Service office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine medical costs that are tax deductible. These telephone numbers are available in the local telephone directory. Web site: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov
* Transportation: There are nonprofit organizations that arrange free or reduced cost air transportation for cancer patients going to or from cancer treatment centers. Financial need is not always a requirement. To find out about these programs talk with a medical social worker. Ground transportation services may be offered or mileage reimbursed through the local ACS or your state or local Department of Social Services.
* Fundraising is another mechanism to consider. Some patients find that friends, family, and community members are willing to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Contact your local library for information about how to organize fundraising efforts.
* Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer help. These organizations are listed in your local phone directory. Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members.
|
