General Support



If you are a patient and are worried about cancer treatment costs, it is important to speak directly with your doctor and/or hospital social worker. These providers deal with cancer treatment every day and know the resources      available in your community.

Financial

  • Check your health insurance policy and understand your coverage. Ask the insurance provider to assign you a case manager.
  • If you cannot work, check if your employer has a long-term disability policy before you quit working. Read the policy carefully. Part of your income may be replaced by this policy if you qualify as “disabled” under the terms of the policy.
  • You may also qualify for disability benefits under Social Security if you have been working for many years. The Social Security definition of “disabled” is very strict and benefits do not begin until the sixth full month of disability. If you are turned down, appeal the decision.
  • Your eligibility for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) has nothing to do with income.
  • Social Security Online or call: 1-800-325-0778.
  • Medicaid provides health insurance for low income people and is coordinated through local Social Services Departments or the Social Security Administration.
  • Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people over 65 and some disabled persons under 65.
  • The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may cover your right to keep your job or appeal a firing due to cancer treatment.
  • Employers cannot ask questions about your medical history when applying for a job.
  • Employers must make adaptations to your specific needs and must give you the same benefits as employees who have not had cancer.
  • If you are saddled with large debt, contact a nonprofit credit -counseling organization to help.
  • Medical expenses are often tax-deductible.
  • Contact your senator or federal representative to help with Medicaid or Medicare problems.
  • The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service can aid in finding local services or call 1-800-4-cancer

Housing

Short term

Many hospitals and treatment centers have short term housing options. They may have discounts at motels/hotels or housing centers. Contact the hospital or clinic social worker for information on these options. The following organizations provide temporary housing for cancer patients during treatment:

Long term

  • Talk to your social worker about housing options if a cancer diagnosis forces you to move from your home. The social worker may know of helpful resources in your area. Contact the county department of social services to see if you qualify for government aid.
  • Talk to your mortgage company, landlord and/or creditors to try to make special arrangements.

Transportation

  • American Cancer Society Road to Recovery is available in some areas and provides transportation aid for patients and families to hospitals and clinics. This is done through volunteer drivers or limited gas reimbursement.
  • Community organizations (such as senior centers) and church groups may also help with travel.
  • Medicaid recipients are entitled to help with travel to medical centers and doctor’s offices for treatment. County departments of social services can arrange this.
  • Talk to the clinic or hospital social worker to get reimbursement of parking fees.

Meals

Meals on Wheels will deliver prepared meals to the disabled, home bound or elderly.

Utilities

The National Energy Assistance Referral can provide information for aid in paying utility bills, or call 1-866-674-6327.

The Universal Service Administrative Company can help with phone service for those with very low income, or call 1-888-641-8722

Additional Support Organizations

The United Way or check your local phone book under United Way. Information is available in some places by dialing 211.

Catholic Charities or check your local phone book.

Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare info. or call 1-800-772-1213.

Medicare and Medicaid or call 1-877-267-2323.

Public Assistance, Food Stamps or call 1-877-696-6775

Senior Services or call 1-800-677-1116.

Cancer Care provides some grant money for treatment related expenses.

Chronic Disease Fund helps under insured individuals with certain cancers obtain necessary medications.

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition helps cancer patients find local financial resources by disease and/or zip code.

For more comprehensive websites, go to:

American Cancer Society provides support and advice for cancer patients on many topics.  Call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Insure Kids Now Program Working families may get low cost/free health insurance for their children. Call 1-877-KIDS NOW.

Cancer Legal Resource Center provides information and resources on cancer- related legal issues, or call 1-866-843-2572

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