The Overwhelming Financial Cost Of Cancer
The Overwhelming Financial Cost Of Cancer
The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming. In her years of medical practice, working with cancer patients as an surgical oncologist, Dr. Shyamali Singhal had the opportunity to see that even patients with health insurance aren’t guaranteed to be able to afford treatment. It’s best to start researching your options before a financial crisis develops. There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial benefits to individuals and families. These benefits, known as entitlements, are primarily set up for low-income households, the elderly, and the disabled. Each entitlement has eligibility requirements. There are also programs administered through state governments that can help with health care related needs.
Community-Based Services
Cancer can impose heavy economic burdens on people living with the disease.
For individuals with little or no insurance, there are a number of financial assistance programs that can help cover the cost of healthcare with resources ranging from government-subsidized programs to community-based services. Individuals with cancer should never hesitate to discuss their financial concerns with their doctor, who can refer them to a social worker or care coordinator able to link them to the financial assistance they need. That doesn't mean you shouldn't start reaching out on your own. Luckily, there are a growing number of agencies that can assist you in finding the means to access and pay for the care you need.
Non-Governmental Service Organizations
These non-governmental organizations are often good places to start in your search for financial assistance. Most of them offer English/Spanish publications and a bilingual helpline:
American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national agency based in Washington, D.C. that can direct you to the local ACS office in your area. The ACS offers programs that help individuals, families, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. A 24-hour helpline is operated with online chat available on the organization's homepage.
CancerCare is a national, non-profit agency that offers free support, information, and financial assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social workers over the telephone, in person, and through the organization's website. CancerCare's reach also extends to health professionals, providing the educational resources they need.
AVONCares Program for Women Facing Cancer is a program managed by CancerCare that provides financial assistance to low-income, underinsured, and underserved women throughout the U.S. Support services include transportation, child care, and home care to improve the lives of those undergoing treatment for breast cancer or cervical cancer.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a non-profit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to people who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Callers may request a booklet outlining LLS's Patient Aid Program, as well as the number of their local LLS office.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to people with cancer regarding insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis. The Patient Assistance Program is a subsidiary of the PAF and provides financial assistance to patients who meet eligibility criteria.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are offered by many leading pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications or insurance copay costs. While eligibility requirements vary, a single consolidated application form allows for easy registration with multiple drug companies.
Road to Recovery is a service offered by the American Cancer Society that allows online users to search for and connect with free or low-cost local transportation services using their zip code or city/state information.
Federal and State Health Agencies
Governmental Channels
In addition to non-profit programs, there are governmental channels that can provide direct assistance to people with cancer:
Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses. At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive federal income assistance such as Social Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies/equipment. Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for American 65 years or older, as well as disabled people under 65 and individuals with permanent liver failure. Medicare may offer reimbursement for some home care services or coverage of hospice services for those accepted into a Medicare-certified program.
Social Security Administration is the government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled people, while SSI supplements those payments for those who meet income eligibility requirements.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured children in low-income families.
Veteran Administration (VA) offers medical benefits, including cancer treatment at a VA Medical Cancer, to eligible veterans and their dependents. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided, while treatment for all other conditions may be available based on the veteran's financial need.
Hill-Burton is a program by which hospitals that receive construction funds from the federal government are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization.