COMPASSION PARTNERS
407-828-2298
Provides admission to several parks in Central Florida including Disney Theme Parks, Sea World, Universal Studios Orlando and Busch Gardens. Passes are available for those facing a life-threatening or terminal illness and their family members as well.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
267-708-0510
www.crossingthefinishline.org
Offers a one-week excursion for adults between the ages of 24 and 50 that have been diagnosed with cancer. Patients must reside in Delaware, Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

THE DREAM FOUNDATION
805-564-2131
www.dreamfoundation.com
Grants final wishes to terminally ill adults over the age of 18.

FOREVER YOUNG
901-299-7515
www.foreveryoungseniorwish.org
A non-profit organization whose purpose is to reach out to residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs, home-bound individuals and adult day care facilities,regardless of age, to help make their dreams come true.

NEVER TOO LATE
317-823-4705
www.nevertoolate.org
A non-profit organization that grants wishes to the elderly (over 65) or to those that have a terminal illness. They will also grant wishes to a permanent nursing home resident regardless of their age.

REELING AND HEALING MIDWEST
866-237-5725
www.reelingandhealing.org
A non-profit organization that hosts several fly-fishing retreats for women and men with cancer throughout the year. Also offer a retreat for family, friends and caregivers once each year as well.

SECOND WIND DREAMS
678-624-0500
www.secondwind.org
A non-profit organization that grants wishes to older adults living in eldercare facilities or in hospice care. They have granted wishes throughout the United States, Canada as well as India.

SUNSET WISH FOUNDATION
336-978-WISH
www.sunsetwishfoundation.com
Provides wishes to adults 18 years and older who have a prognosis of less than one year. Must be a resident of the United States.

UNITED SPECIAL SPORTSMEN ALLIANCE
800-518-8019
www.childswish.com
A non-profit Christian organization that coordinates with other agencies to grant terminally ill and disabled sportsmen and women an outdoor adventure of their dreams.

Prescription drugs can quickly become a financial burden for you and your family. To help pay for this expense, many insurers offer a prescription drug plan. While automatically included in some health insurance plans, it can also be bought separately. Under most of these plans, you either pay a set amount for each filled prescription (for example, $10) or a set percentage of a drug's retail cost. These plans often have some coverage limits.

Medicare prescription drug plans now offer prescription drug assistance. Before signing up for one of these plans, it’s important to learn about the benefits provided by the different plans. For information on these Medicare drug benefits, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.

For those with limited income who are struggling to pay for prescription drugs, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) offers low-cost and free prescription programs.

Support for prescription medications is also provided by some non-profit agencies like CancerCare. CancerCare’s Linking A.R.M.S.(TM) program helps qualified persons with breast cancer throughout the United States who are low-income, under-insured or uninsured. Financial assistance grants cover the costs of oral chemotherapy and hormone therapy medications, pain and anti-nausea medications, lymphedema support and supplies and durable medical equipment through a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare. Call Komen’s breast cancer helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) for more information.

Prescription drug and medical equipment assistance with Linking A.R.M.S.™
Linking A.R.M.S.™ is a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare. For those who are eligible, Linking A.R.M.S.TM provides financial assistance grants of up to $350. These grants can be used for oral chemotherapy and hormonal therapy medications, pain and anti-nausea medication, medical equipment and lymphedema support and supplies.

PAF Co-Pay Relief Program
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has partnered with the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) to provide support for eligible persons. The Co-Pay Relief Program (CPR) currently provides direct financial support to insured patients, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance. The program offers personal service to all patients through the use of call counselors; personally guiding patients through the enrollment process. www.copays.org

Government Assistance

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 has eligibility requirements. There are also programs administered through state governments that can help with health care-related needs. Government assistance programs include:

Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs

Programs and services offered differ from company to company but may include:

• Help with insurance reimbursement
• Referrals to co-pay relief programs
• Help with the application process
• Discounted or free medications to patients who do not qualify for other assistance

To see if the drug company that makes your medication has a patient assistance program, check its website. You can also ask your doctor or check with the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). PPA has a list of pharmaceutical programs and other resources for financial assistance.

Nonprofit Organizations That Help With Practical Needs

In addition to needing help with managing the cost of medicines and treatment, people with cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, household help, and child care. To help with these and other practical needs, a number of nonprofit organizations have useful programs or referral information. These organizations include:

Cancer Organizations

General Organizations

To see more links on cancer visit my blog at

http://friendshelpingfriends.aidpage.com/

SCCA Family Assistance Fund

The SCCA Family Assistance Fund was established and is maintained through generous ongoing donations from individuals and community groups desiring to help families during their treatment in Seattle. Funds are limited, and assistance is granted to those patients and families with critical financial needs. Please see eligibility requirements on the application.

National Organizations

Help with Expenses Related to Treatment

Here are some organizations whose services may be helpful for those who need assistance with expenses relating to their cancer treatment.

CancerCare is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Financial assistance is given in the form of limited grants for certain treatment expenses.

• Breast cancer: CancerCare has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to create the Linking A.R.M.S. program, which provides limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and antinausea medication, lymphedema supplies and durable medical equipment for women with breast cancer.
• Cervical or breast cancer: CancerCare also operates the AVONCares Program for Medically Underserved Women, in partnership with the Avon Foundation. This program provides financial assistance to low-income, underinsured or uninsured, underserved women throughout the country who need supportive services (such as transportation, childcare and home care) related to the treatment of breast and cervical cancers. For information, call (800) 813-HOPE (4673).

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to patients in significant financial need who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma or multiple myeloma. The LLS Patient Financial Aid web page provides more information about the types of service available, application forms and eligibility requirements. For information, call (800) 955-4572.

NeedyMeds is a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or healthcare costs. The information at NeedyMeds can be obtained anonymously and is free. NeedyMeds is an information source similar to the Yellow Pages; it does not supply medications or financial assistance but helps people find assistance programs and other available resources.

The Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program provides limited payment assistance for medicine to insured patients who financially and medically qualify. Get more information about the program online, or call (866) 512-3861.

Help with Medication Expenses

Patient-assistance programs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. 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 or visit the drug manufacturer’s website. Most pharmaceutical companies have a section titled “patient-assistance programs” on their website.

Medically Indigent Drug Assistance Information Booklet, from the American Cancer Society, lists companies that provide assistance and the drugs available as well as their procedures for providing the drugs. Booklet available free to healthcare providers. Call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 (227-2345).

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing Association Directory provides financial assistance for medicines. Call (800) PMA-INFO (762-4636).

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has information about more than 475 public and private patient-assistance programs. Call (888) 4PPA-NOW (477-2669).

Other Resources That May Help Financially

The American Cancer Society provides free wigs, head coverings, financial referrals and resources to patients in need. Call (800) ACS-2345 (227-2345) or your local chapter.

The Patient Advocate Foundation provides education, legal counseling and referrals for cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination and debt-crisis matters. Call (800) 532-5274.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance. Call (800) 366-CCCF (2223).

Ronald McDonald House, supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities, provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Houses are temporary residences near the medical facility, where family members can sleep, eat, relax and find support from other families in similar situations. In return, families are asked to make a donation ranging on average from $5 to $20 per day, but if that isn’t possible, their stay is free. Call (630) 623-7048.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide information about tax deductions for medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies. For example, 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 IRS office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine whether medical costs are tax deductible. Call (800) 829-1040.

Community voluntary agencies and service organizations, such as United Way of America, Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, and Catholic Charities, may offer help. These organizations are listed in your local telephone directory. Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members.

State and local social-services agencies can provide help with food, housing, prescription drugs, transportation and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local agency, listed in your local telephone directory.

International Resources

The National Cancer Institute is the principal cancer research organization in the United States and has limited information about financial resources for people living outside this country. Call (800) 4-CANCER (422-6237).

The International Cancer Information Service Group (ICISG) is an independent international organization composed of cancer information services. Its mission is to provide high-quality cancer information services and resources to those concerned about, or affected by, cancer throughout the world. Cancer-information services are available in many countries to provide information and answer questions about cancer. They may also be able to help locate financial assistance close to where you live. A list of these cancer information services is available on the ICISG website or may be requested by writing to the Nation Cancer Institute Public Inquiries Office, Cancer Information Service, Room 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC 8322, Bethesda, MD 20892-8322, USA.

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is another resource for people living outside the United States. The UICC consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. UICC membership includes research facilities and treatment centers and, in some countries, ministries of health. Other members include volunteer cancer leagues, associations and societies. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about a variety of topics, including financial assistance.

To find a resource in or near your country, you can search the UICC’s membership directory, call + 41 22 809 18 11, or contact the UICC at:
International Union Against Cancer (UICC)
62 Route de Frontenex
1207 Geneva
Switzerland

While you may or may not have insurance, there are times when you may need help with payment for your drug. Here are some times when that might happen. (Go directly to Drug Assistance Programs list.)

• When you have no insurance or have lost your insurance through a job change. If you have no coverage for the particular drug you are on or have no drug coverage at all, you should apply for assistance. Most of the drug companies have programs for their drug, particularly if it is a “brand name” drug. Use our Drug Assistance Programs to get the application and particulars for the drug or drugs that you are on.
• When you have no coverage for your particular drug. You may have coverage when your drug is given in the doctor’s office or hospital, but you have no prescription coverage. Or, you may have coverage for all drugs, but there is no coverage for your drug with your diagnosis. In both of these cases, you should apply for assistance. Click on the Drug Assistance Programs.
• When you think you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of your insurance. There is help for co-pays, premiums, deductibles, and other patient costs associated with cancer drugs. These are qualified by the particular cancer that you have. While all of these costs may not be covered, there may be some help for people with your diagnosis. Click on the Drug Assistance Programs.

What kind of help is available?
 

• For qualified patients, there is assistance with all aspects of drug payment. This means you can get qualified for “free” drugs, or you can find out if you are eligible for some other type of insurance. Qualification is based on your income and, in some cases, your medical expenses. There are some programs that may also ask you about your assets.
• For qualified patients, there may be help with the patient portion of your cancer drug bill. These programs are accessed by diagnosis and are available for patients in need. Bear in mind that most of the help for patients’ costs are for drugs that are given in your doctor’s office for cancer.
• For insured patients, lots of these programs will find out what your insurance covers. Cancer drugs can be expensive. So, it is good to find out each time you get a prescription if and how your insurance will pay.
• For many cancer drugs, all patients can call these programs at a toll-free number and find out about the costs for their drugs . This is a real service, which will cost you nothing and will give you financial peace of mind about your therapy or provide you with other alternatives.
• Many pharmaceutical companies provide free product samples to individual physicians or groups of physicians. Ask your doctor about the availability of free drug samples. You can learn more about the drug sampling programs of individual pharmaceutical companies by visiting their company websites.

What do I need to do to get help?

You need to be on a drug that has a patient program. We have two options you can look at—one for people who have no coverage (insurance) for their drug or think they might have no coverage and another for folks with trouble paying for their insurance’s share of cost.

• You need to provide financial and drug information. Most programs are based on federal poverty levels. This means you need to provide these programs with tax forms and/or bank statements that prove what your income is. They will figure out whether you qualify for their programs. Drug companies must establish that you are “in need” before providing assistance. The assistance will be drugs—not money.
• You need to fill out forms about your drug. In some programs, they want to know about your dose and other prescription information. In most cases, this is provided by the doctor. Some programs will ask you about all the drugs you take because they will subtract these from your income. This will make it easier to qualify.

What does it mean to be “in need”?

• Most programs use federal poverty levels by family size to qualify you for assistance. These poverty levels are a matter of public record and are on this page for your information. Most programs’ qualifying levels are not publicly available, but our experience tells us that they are set at 250 percent to 450 percent of federal poverty levels. Some programs adjust these for geography; some programs also have an asset qualification, which is described in more detail below.
• The Federal Poverty Guideline qualification is compared to your income as stated on your tax form. There may be adjustments for geography or extenuating circumstances in your finances as defined by the program.
• Some programs have an asset qualification. Assets are things like retirement funds, bonds, certificates of deposit, or vacation homes. They usually do not include your residence or car.
• Some programs will not cover you if they find insurance for you. Patients are always disappointed when they hear this, but the really good news about this is that insurance might cover your other medical costs.

How can I find out if I am “in need”?
 

• Check out our poverty level eligibility calculator. This will show you where you fall. Most programs will not cover you—depending on your medical expenses—if your household income is higher than 300 percent to 325 percent of federal poverty levels. That does not mean that you should definitely not call. Some of these programs might find other help for you. Additionally, they may know of other programs that you qualify for.
• Call the program by looking it up in our database (Help for Cancer Patients). You can look it up by drug name, brand name, or manufacturer. You can also find out some other information about the drug. There’s even an application there for some programs.
• File an application. Most of the time, you cannot file an application online. There is usually a requirement for a signature, but you can get an application through our website most of the time. You also should pull together your tax forms and/or pay stub.

Although procedures may vary between counties, here are some guidelines that may assist you in locating cancer care.
 

To Find a Primary Care Clinic

To find out if there is a Primary Care clinic in your area where you might be able to receive cancer screening, please go to the following Web site of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and select Texas, then your city, and click on Find Health Centers:

http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/interim.cfm

For Women

If you are a woman and you want to get checked for cervical cancer or breast cancer, you may be able to get help through a special program called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) at the Texas Department of State Health Services.

• To have a PAP test for cervical cancer, you must be 18 to 64 years old.
• To have a mammogram (breast cancer test), you must be 50 to 64 years old.
• You will need to show how much money you make, so you may be asked to show a paycheck stub.
   

To find a clinic near you, please go to the following BCCS - Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Clinic Locator Web site:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/bcccs/locator.shtm

Cancer Centers

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has named three cancer centers in Texas as leaders in cancer research. Two of those centers are in Houston. These centers focus on finding new treatments for cancer through clinical trial testing. To find out more, please visit the Web sites or call the numbers below:

Cancer Therapy and Research Center at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
1-800-340-2872 or (210) 450-1000
http://www.ctrc.net/ctrc_2_2.cfm?db_content=patients

The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
(713) 798-1354
http://www.bcm.edu/cancercenter/

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1-877-MDA-6789 (1-877-632-6789)
http://www.mdanderson.org/contact_us/

The following University of Texas state hospitals may offer programs for low income, uninsured Texas residents. Please call to find out if you qualify:

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Access Center 1-800-917-8906 or (409) 772-2222.
http://www.utmbhealthcare.org

The University Health Science Center at Tyler
http://www.uthct.edu/patientcare/

Other hospitals and physicians in your area may also treat low-income or uninsured patients. You would need to contact them directly for more information.
 

For U.S. Military Veterans

If you are a U. S. military veteran, you may be able to be seen at a VA (Veterans Affairs) clinic. To find out more about veteran’s benefits, please contact:

Veterans Affairs
1-877-222-8387
http://www.va.gov
 

211

You may be able to find local facilities in or around your county that may possibly be able to screen or treat a low-income or uninsured cancer patient. If you are looking for help or information on services or programs in your area, please dial 2-1-1 or click on the link https://www.211texas.org/211/search.do and type in cancer detection in the Service You Need box and the county where you live in the or County box.

Legal Aid Organizations

The following not-for-profit legal aid organizations offer professional legal help for elderly and/or low income patients who cannot access health care because they have been denied Medicare, Medicaid or health care benefits by a county agency or a hospital district. Please visit the Web sites or call the numbers below for more information:

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
http://www.lanwt.org
Dallas: (214) 748-1234
Fort Worth: 1-800-955-3959 or 817-336-3943
Outside Metroplex Area: 1-888-529-5277

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
http://www.trla.org
1-888-988-9996

Lone Star Legal Aide
http://www.lonestarlegal.org
1-800-733-8394
(Serves Angleton, Beaumont, Bellville, Belton, Bryan, Conroe, Galveston, Houston, Longview, Nacogdoches, Paris, Texarkana, Tyler and Waco)

Heart of Texas Legal Services 1-888-756-7066
 

Other Resources

• There are many groups that help cancer patients. These groups may offer financial assistance, support services or free information about cancer. You can get a list of these groups from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by clicking on or typing in the following link:

  https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearch.aspx?FSType=8.1

  For more information, you may also call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
  
   

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) also has support groups and information about cancer. You may call 1-800-227-2345 or go to the website:

  http://www.cancer.org

• The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) has information about financial assistance and support groups. Please call 1-877-231-8820 or 1-866-673-7205 or visit the Web site:

  http://www.livestrong.org

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is a breast cancer helpline. Please call 1-877-456-6636 (1-877-GOKOMEN) or visit the Web site:

  http://www.komen.org

• Visit the Texas Cancer Information Web site for lists of doctors, hospitals, breast and colon cancer screening services, home health agencies, and hospices. You can find support, counseling, education and other help such as transportation, housing and medical equipment by clicking on Support - Local/Community Resources at the top of the page.

  http://www.texascancer.info

The new Access to Cancer Care for Low-Income and Uninsured Patients database is intended to reach low-income or uninsured Texans seeking free or low-cost cancer screening or treatment. Texas Cancer Information staff investigated procedures, contacts and clinic locations for screening and treatment for every Texas county. Information on how to obtain cancer care services in each of these counties is now available for download in PDF format in simple language and question and answer format. Social workers or volunteer organizations can also print out this information to give to their clients.

TCI is now working on translating these resources into Spanish, starting with counties with the highest Spanish-speaking populations. There are currently Access to Care documents for 31 counties available in Spanish. New!

Access to Cancer Care by Texas County

General Guidelines for Low-Income or Uninsured Texans Seeking Cancer Care

Although procedures may vary between counties, here are some guidelines that may assist you in locating cancer care.

To Find a Primary Care Clinic

To find out if there is a Primary Care clinic in your area where you might be able to receive cancer screening, please go to the following Web site of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and select Texas, then your city, and click on Find Health Centers:

http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/interim.cfm

For Women

If you are a woman and you want to get checked for cervical cancer or breast cancer, you may be able to get help through a special program called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) at the Texas Department of State Health Services.

• To have a PAP test for cervical cancer, you must be 18 to 64 years old.
• To have a mammogram (breast cancer test), you must be 50 to 64 years old.
• You will need to show how much money you make, so you may be asked to show a paycheck stub.
  
  

To find a clinic near you, please go to the following BCCS - Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Clinic Locator Web site:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/bcccs/locator.shtm

Cancer Centers

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has named three cancer centers in Texas as leaders in cancer research. Two of those centers are in Houston. These centers focus on finding new treatments for cancer through clinical trial testing. To find out more, please visit the Web sites or call the numbers below:

Cancer Therapy and Research Center at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
1-800-340-2872 or (210) 450-1000
http://www.ctrc.net/ctrc_2_2.cfm?db_content=patients

The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
(713) 798-1354
http://www.bcm.edu/cancercenter/

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1-877-MDA-6789 (1-877-632-6789)
http://www.mdanderson.org/contact_us/

The following University of Texas state hospitals may offer programs for low income, uninsured Texas residents. Please call to find out if you qualify:

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Access Center 1-800-917-8906 or (409) 772-2222.
http://www.utmbhealthcare.org

The University Health Science Center at Tyler
http://www.uthct.edu/patientcare/

Other hospitals and physicians in your area may also treat low-income or uninsured patients. You would need to contact them directly for more information.

For U.S. Military Veterans

If you are a U. S. military veteran, you may be able to be seen at a VA (Veterans Affairs) clinic. To find out more about veteran’s benefits, please contact:

Veterans Affairs
1-877-222-8387
http://www.va.gov

211

You may be able to find local facilities in or around your county that may possibly be able to screen or treat a low-income or uninsured cancer patient. If you are looking for help or information on services or programs in your area, please dial 2-1-1 or click on the link https://www.211texas.org/211/search.do and type in cancer detection in the Service You Need box and the county where you live in the or County box.

Legal Aid Organizations

The following not-for-profit legal aid organizations offer professional legal help for elderly and/or low income patients who cannot access health care because they have been denied Medicare, Medicaid or health care benefits by a county agency or a hospital district. Please visit the Web sites or call the numbers below for more information:

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
http://www.lanwt.org
Dallas: (214) 748-1234
Fort Worth: 1-800-955-3959 or 817-336-3943
Outside Metroplex Area: 1-888-529-5277

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
http://www.trla.org
1-888-988-9996

Lone Star Legal Aide
http://www.lonestarlegal.org
1-800-733-8394
(Serves Angleton, Beaumont, Bellville, Belton, Bryan, Conroe, Galveston, Houston, Longview, Nacogdoches, Paris, Texarkana, Tyler and Waco)

Heart of Texas Legal Services 1-888-756-7066

Other Resources

• There are many groups that help cancer patients. These groups may offer financial assistance, support services or free information about cancer. You can get a list of these groups from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by clicking on or typing in the following link:

  https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearch.aspx?FSType=8.1

  For more information, you may also call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
  
  
  

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) also has support groups and information about cancer. You may call 1-800-227-2345 or go to the website:

  http://www.cancer.org

  
  
• The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) has information about financial assistance and support groups. Please call 1-877-231-8820 or 1-866-673-7205 or visit the Web site:

  http://www.livestrong.org

  
  
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is a breast cancer helpline. Please call 1-877-456-6636 (1-877-GOKOMEN) or visit the Web site:

  http://www.komen.org

  
  
• Visit the Texas Cancer Information Web site for lists of doctors, hospitals, breast and colon cancer screening services, home health agencies, and hospices. You can find support, counseling, education and other help such as transportation, housing and medical equipment by clicking on Support - Local/Community Resources at the top of the page.

  http://www.texascancer.info

Click Here For Website

Autoimmune Disorders Resources

Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR)
The CPR program provides co-payment assistance to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify. Click here to start your application

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
PAF is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which provides professional case management services to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses. Click here to seek assistance from a case manager

Autoimmune Disorders Resources and Programs

American Autoimmune Related Disease Association, Inc.
Phone: 800-598-4668
www.aarda.org

Other Resources and Programs

Patient Advocate Foundation's National Underinsured Resource Directory
www.patientadvocate.org/help4u.php

Click Here For Website

What is CancerCare?

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer.

 

How can CancerCare help me?

CancerCare offers counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications and financial assistance. Browse our services or search for services by cancer type.

 

Sometimes, I feel so emotional about my cancer diagnosis. Is there anything CancerCare can do to help?

Yes. From our more than 60 years of experience working with people with cancer, we know that counseling (talking to a professional about your concerns) helps. Some people prefer individual counseling with our professional oncology social workers; others find help from our facilitated support groups.

 

I’m having trouble paying my bills. Can CancerCare help?

CancerCare can provide you with helpful resources, in addition to offering direct financial assistance for people who qualify.

 

Where can I learn about my diagnosis, possible side effects and how to make treatment decisions?

CancerCare offers a range of free educational programs that provide you with reliable information from leading cancer experts. Also, be sure to visit our Reading Room for free publications on various cancer topics.

 

Can I use your services if I do not live near a CancerCare office?

Yes. All of our services, including support groups, are offered online and on the telephone. If you are looking for a specific service in your area, we can often help you find an organization closer to home.

 

How can CancerCare help my loved ones?

We provide supportive services, including counseling, support groups and education for your loved ones. Learn more by reading our "I am a Loved One/Friend" FAQ.

 

How can CancerCare provide all these services for free?

CancerCare is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and is able to provide free services because of the generosity of many committed donors.

I found this quite interesting from the American Cancer Society website.

Description

Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant substances, called essential oils, to alter mood or improve health. These highly concentrated aromatic substances are either inhaled or applied to the skin. Essential oils are distilled from plants, and approximately forty are commonly used in aromatherapy; among the most popular are lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, chamomile, marjoram, jasmine, peppermint, lemon, ylang ylang, and geranium.

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that aromatherapy is effective in preventing or treating cancer, but its use may enhance quality of life. Early clinical trials suggest aromatherapy may have some benefit as a complementary treatment in reducing stress, pain, nausea, and depression.

How is it promoted for use?

Aromatherapy is promoted as a natural way to help patients cope with stress, chronic pain, nausea, and depression and to produce a feeling of well-being. Proponents also claim aromatherapy can help relieve bacterial infections; stimulate the immune system; fight colds, flu, and sore throats; improve urine production; increase circulation; and cure cystitis, herpes simplex, acne, headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension, and even cancer. Fragrances from different oils are promoted to have specific health benefits. For example, lavender oil is promoted to relieve muscle tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

There are different ideas as to how aromatherapy may work. Scent receptors in the nose are known to send chemical messages through the olfactory nerve to the brain’s limbic region, which influences emotional responses, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Some proponents say these connections explain the effects of essential oils’ smells. The effects may partly depend on a person’s previous associations or recalled experiences with a particular scent. Others say the oils are absorbed directly into the system through the skin.

What does it involve?

Aromatherapy is either self-administered or administered by a practitioner. Many aromatherapists in the United States are trained as massage therapists, psychologists, social workers, or chiropractors and use the oils as part of their practices.

The essential oils can be used individually or in combination and may be inhaled or applied to the skin. For inhalation, a few drops of the essential oil are placed in steaming water, atomizers, or humidifiers that are used to spread the water vapor and oil combination throughout the room. Sometimes the oils are placed in a heatproof dish over a candle or other flame to diffuse the scent.

Essential oils can be applied to the skin during massage, or they can be added to bathwater. For application to the skin, the oils are combined with another substance (a carrier), usually vegetable oil. Some essential oils can sometimes be used directly on the skin. Oils may also be used to make salves, creams, and compresses. Some people also apply drops of certain essential oils to their pillows.

What is the history behind it?

Use of aromatic, perfumed oils dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, China, and India. In Egypt, such oils were used after bathing and for embalming mummies. Thousands of years ago the Chinese compiled an encyclopedia of information on the uses of plants, herbs, and different types of wood. In ancient India, aromatic massage was part of Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, the Greeks and Romans used fragrant oils for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. However, it was the medieval physician Avicenna who first extracted these oils from plants. René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, originated modern aromatherapy and even the term itself. After burning his hand in a laboratory accident, he used lavender oil to soothe the pain. His hand healed quickly with no scar, and he attributed this outcome to the lavender oil. He published his first thesis, titled "Aromatherapie," in 1928 and published a book under the same title in 1937. Aromatherapy was revived in the 1960s by French homeopaths Dr. and Mme. Maury. In the 1980s, aromatherapy began to grow in popularity in the United States. It is fairly well-established in England, France, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

What is the evidence?

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that aromatherapy cures or prevents disease; however, a few clinical studies suggest aromatherapy may be a helpful complementary therapy. In Britain, there are reports of the successful use of aromatherapy massage in people who have cancer to reduce anxiety, depression, tension, and pain. However, some studies show no difference in outcome between massage with aromatherapy oils and massage without them. There are also reports that breathing the vapors of peppermint, ginger, and cardamom oil seems to relieve the nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation. However, these claims are not supported by available scientific evidence. Laboratory studies suggest that the oils can affect organ function, although whether this can be useful is not yet clear.

Clinical research on aromatherapy is in its infancy. Early trials suggest aromatherapy may help patients cope with chronic pain, stress, nausea, and depression.

In one controlled clinical trial, inhaling the vapors from black pepper extract reduced the craving for tobacco and improved participants’ moods. In a second controlled trial, the use of citrus fragrance by twelve depressed patients made it possible to reduce the amount of antidepressant medicine they needed.

Another study of aromatherapy suggested that the scent changed a person’s memory of pain, even though the patient’s perception of the pain’s severity while it was happening did not change. There was no difference between the aromatherapy group's and control group's pain ratings during a procedure, but after the fact, the aromatherapy group reported that the event was less distressing overall than the control group did.

There is also some evidence that the power of suggestion may explain at least part of the effect of aromatherapy. For example, in one study, the salt water placebo was just as effective in reducing nausea as the essential oil. In another study, the oils were more likely to produce the effect about which the subjects were told, regardless of whether it was the normally predicted effect. Several controlled studies using essential oils have shown no measurable effect.

In a randomized clinical trial of patients with bald patches on their scalp or skin, a daily scalp massage with essential oils was shown to be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss resulting from alopecia areata, a condition in which the patient’s immune system damages the hair follicles. This treatment has not been evaluated as a treatment for hair loss related to cancer treatments. Other laboratory and animal studies have looked at the ability of essential oils to kill or control certain germs and viruses when the oil is placed in direct contact with the germ.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Aromatherapy is generally safe. However, essential oils usually should not be taken internally as many of them are poisonous. Some oils can cause an allergic reaction. Some may cause irritation if applied undiluted to the skin. Aromatherapy oils have been reported as causing headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.

Patients enrolled in the Co-Pay Assistance Program have complete freedom to choose doctors, providers, suppliers, insurance companies and/or treatment related medications. Patients are free at any time to make changes in any of the above without affecting their continued eligibility.

Prescription insurance coverage is required to qualify for this program. Prescription drugs covered under this program include those supplied to the patient by a pharmacy or administered in an office or hospital by a health care provider.

A physician must confirm the patient's diagnosis and that the drugs or physician visits for which they have applied  for co-pay or premium assistance are being used to treat a cancer currently covered in LLS's plan.

The Co-Pay Assistance program does not cover the following:
• Prescribed devices such as eyeglasses, wheelchairs, pumps, kits, etc.
• Diagnostic procedures such as: PET/CAT/MRI scans, X-rays, etc.
• Laboratory services including blood work, biopsies, cultures, blood draws, bone marrow aspirations, etc.
• Electrocardiogram, Echocardiography (ECG or EKG) Ultrasounds
• Travel expenses, including lodging, meals, parking, tolls, etc.
• Dental and or Vision insurance premiums or expenses
• Fertility and or Reproductive procedures
• Long-term Care Insurance or Cancer Insurance policies

Support for this program is based on the availability of funds by disease diagnosis. 

Co-Pay Assistance Amounts
Society Co-Pay Assistance funds are currently available up to $5000 for the following diagnoses:

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• Myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Funding Update
The following funds are currently closed.

• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Please check the Co-Pay webpage regularly for funding updates. We are actively seeking sponsorship for this fund and other blood cancers that are not funded by this program. Call us for assistance if you are uncertain about the coverage of any diagnosis. 

For more information on financial assistance, please contact the Information Resource Center 1-800-955-4572.      

Income Requirements
Patients whose household income is at or within 500 percent above the U.S. Federal Poverty guidelines are eligible for assistance. 

Patients who reside in the United States, Puerto Rico and medically and financially qualify may apply.   

In most cases, the payment will be sent directly to your pharmaceutical supplier, hospital, doctor, insurance provider, and less commonly, directly to a patient.  For patients with approved applications needing assistance to complete the Co-Pay Claim Form please refer to the Claim Form Information Guide.   

The Co-Pay Assistance Program application includes information to be completed and signed by the patient and information to be completed and signed by the patients' physician.  Patients will also need to send documentation verifying household income.  All documentation will be kept confidential and is viewed solely for approval into the program.

To apply or obtain more information about the Co-Pay Assistance Program, please call 1-877-557-2672 to speak with a Co-Pay Specialist who will provide personalized service through the application process.  You may also email your request for a Co-Pay Specialist to contact you regarding the program at copay@lls.org.    

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Co-Pay Assistance Program 
P.O. Box 12268
Newport News, VA 23612
Fax: (877)-COPAY-FAX or (877) 267-2932

All completed Co-Pay Assistance Program applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified if anything is missing from their application or of their approval status.  Once approved, patients will receive instructions for payment requests.

Patients who participate in the Co-Pay Assistance Program may still apply for LLS's Patient Financial Aid  Program.   

- Spanish Co-Pay Page

For Providers - The Co-Pay Assistance program provides financial assistance for health insurance payments and blood cancer treatment co-pay obligations to qualified patients. Co-Pay applications can be submitted by calling toll free (877) 557-2672 from your physician facility or submitted online through this secure web-based process.

For Patients - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Co-Pay Assistance Program Patient Online Application

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 nonprofit 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.

Listed below are Government agencies, organizations, and programs that are designed to provide assistance for cancer patients and their families. However, resources provided by individual organizations vary, and it is important to check with a specific group to determine if financial aid is currently available. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified. This fact sheet is divided into four sections: Cancer Treatment, Practical Needs, Other Resources, and International Resources.

CANCER TREATMENT

• Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction and modernization funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide a reasonable volume of services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization and make their services available to all residents in the facility’s area. Information about Hill-Burton facilities is available by calling the toll-free number or visiting the Web site shown below. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–638–0742 (Maryland residents call 1–800–492–0359)
  Web site:	http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm

  
  

• Medicaid (Medical Assistance), a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses, is coordinated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Although the Federal Government establishes general guidelines for the program, Medicaid program requirements are established by each state. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies and equipment.

  Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office. Check the local telephone directory for the number to call. Information about specific state contacts is also available by searching the CMS.gov Contacts Database at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/contacts on the Internet (select State Health Departments as the Organization Type). Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–267–2323
  Web site:	http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp

  
  

• The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act provides, in most states, Medicaid coverage for treatment to women who have been screened for and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information about eligibility and contacts for this program, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000” Web page, which is located at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm on the Internet.

• Medicare is a Federal health insurance program also administered by the CMS. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and disabled people under age 65. Medicare is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A pays for hospital care, home health care, hospice care, and care in Medicare-certified nursing facilities. Part B covers medically necessary services, including diagnostic studies, physicians’ services, durable home medical equipment, and ambulance transportation; Part B also covers screening exams for several types of cancer. To receive information on eligibility, explanations of coverage, and related publications, call Medicare at the number listed below or visit their Web site. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE)
  TTY:	1–877–486–2048
  Web site:	http://www.medicare.gov

  
  

• The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a Federal-State partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured infants, children, and teens. Callers will be referred to the program in their state for further information about what the program covers, who is eligible, and the minimum qualifications. In most states, uninsured children age 18 and younger whose families meet the income requirement are eligible. For a list of health insurance coverage and eligibility by state, go to http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.asp on the Internet.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–543–7669 (1–877–KIDS–NOW)
  Web site:	http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

  
  

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Cancer Program ensures that users of the veterans health care system have easy access to high quality cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. Eligible veterans and their dependents may receive cancer treatment at a Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center. Treatment for a service-connected condition is provided, and treatment for other conditions may be available based on the veteran’s financial need. Veterans who are disabled from military service can receive home care services from the VA, but these services can only be provided by VA hospitals. The VHA Cancer Program Web site offers links to cancer facts, information about care, a list of VHA-designated comprehensive cancer centers, and the VA’s national cancer strategy. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–222–8387 (1–877–222–VETS) (health care benefits) 1–888–492–7844 (mammography helpline)
  TTY:	1–800–829–4833
  Web site:	http://www1.va.gov/cancer

  
  

• CancerCare is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Financial assistance is given in the form of limited grants for certain treatment expenses. CancerCare also provides limited grants for home care, childcare, and transportation costs to men, women, and children in active cancer treatment. Services are provided by oncology social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency’s Web site. CancerCare’s reach also extends to professionals—providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the CancerCare Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish.

  
  

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

  
  

  CancerCare has also partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to create the Linking A.R.M.S. program, which provides limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and antinausea medication, lymphedema supplies, and prostheses for women with breast cancer.

  The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation is affiliated with CancerCare. The Foundation provides co-payment assistance for patients who have been prescribed chemotherapy but are unable to afford the out-of-pocket costs or co-payments required by their insurer or Medicaid.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–866–552–6729 (1–866–55COPAY)
  Web site:	http://www.cancercarecopay.org

  
  

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to patients in significant financial need who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. The LLS’s “Patient Financial Aid” Web page provides more information about the types of service available, application forms, and eligibility requirements at http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4603 on the Internet.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–955–4572 1–877–557–2672 (Copay Assistance Program)
  Web site:	http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

  
  

• The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) offers financial assistance through its Marrow Foundation® Patient Assistance Program (the fund-raising partner of the NMDP). The Patient Assistance Program helps patients pay for searching the NMDP Registry and/or for some post-transplant costs. Applications for Patient Assistance Program funds must be submitted by an NMDP transplant center. Eligible patients may ask their transplant center coordinator to apply for one or both programs (search assistance and/or transplant support assistance).

  
  

  Telephone:	1–888–999–6743 (Office of Patient Advocacy)
  Web site:	http://www.marrow.org

  
  

• NeedyMeds is a Web-based information resource for people who need assistance paying for health care. NeedyMeds has information on patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost medicine to people who are uninsured or underinsured. NeedyMeds does not supply medications or financial assistance but helps people find programs that provide these services. This resource also offers information on other assistance programs, such as discount drug cards, disease-based assistance (programs that help with costs associated with specific diseases), and free or low-cost clinics.

  
  

  Web site:

  http://www.needymeds.org/

  
  

• The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters. The PAF also conducts outreach to African American and Hispanic/Latino American populations.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–532–5274
  Web site:	http://www.patientadvocate.org

  • The Colorectal CareLine is designed to provide assistance to patients with colorectal cancer. It offers financial aid through the Financial Aid Fund for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer. For more information about the Colorectal CareLine, visit http://www.colorectalcareline.org/ or call 1–866–657–8634.

  • The Co-Pay Relief Program provides limited payment assistance for medicine to insured patients who financially and medically qualify. For more information about the Co-Pay Relief Program, visit http://www.copays.org or call 1–866–512–3861.

• Patient Assistance Programs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. 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 or visit the drug manufacturer’s Web site. Most pharmaceutical companies will have a section titled “patient assistance programs” on their Web site.

PRACTICAL NEEDS

In addition to cancer treatments, many cancer patients need assistance paying for transportation to and from medical appointments and basic living expenses such as food and housing. Listed below are organizations dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families during and after the patient’s treatment.

• Eldercare Locator is a referral service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eldercare Locator information specialists will link callers with state and area agencies on aging for information and referral to local agencies that provide a wide array of senior services. This service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–677–1116
  Web site:	http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Home.aspx

  
  

• GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits Web site of the U.S. Government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. The Web site is maintained through a partnership of 10 Federal agencies and is designed to help users find Government benefit and assistance programs for which they may be eligible. The Web site features diverse benefit programs such as disability and financial assistance, insurance, and health care/living assistance. Users may complete a questionnaire on the Web site that identifies Government benefits for which they may be eligible, along with information about how the user can apply.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–333–4636 (1–800–FED–INFO)
  Web site:	http://www.govbenefits.gov

  
  

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the Government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. Social Security provides monthly income for eligible retired persons, surviving spouses and family members, and the disabled. More information about these and other SSA programs is available by calling the toll-free number listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available. Additional contact information for the SSA is available at http://www.ssa.gov/reach.htm on the Internet.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–772–1213
  TTY:	1–800–325–0778
  Web site:	http://www.ssa.gov/

  
  

  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is administered by the SSA and supplements Social Security payments for aged, blind, and disabled people with little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to file a claim is available from the SSA. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is available at http://connections.govbenefits.gov/ssa_en.portal on the Internet.

  
  

  Web site:

  http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

  
  

  The SSA Compassionate Allowances initiative allows Social Security to target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that can be obtained quickly. Information on the initiative and a list of qualifying conditions are available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances on the Internet.

  
  
  
• The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), which was formed by the merger of the National Brain Tumor Foundation and the Brain Tumor Society, provides financial assistance to patients through its Financial Assistance Program. This program assists brain tumor patients with treatment-related expenses such as medication copays, transportation to treatment, home health care and home adaptations (related to a brain tumor diagnosis), and childcare. Financial assistance applications are reviewed on a monthly basis, and grants range from $100 to $500. All applicants are eligible to receive up to two grants, but must wait 6 months before applying for the second grant.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–934–2873 (1–800–934–CURE)
  Web site:	http://www.braintumor.org

  
  

• The Lymphoma Research Foundation (Patient Services) offers a patient aid grant program, which provides up to $250 for “quality of life” expenses, including travel and transportation, temporary lodging, childcare, home care, cosmetic aids, medical devices, and hygiene products. In addition, uninsured or underinsured applicants can indicate on their application and discuss with the Program Coordinator if they have accumulated medical debts. Funds are available to reimburse health care providers for patients’ hospital or physician bills that insurance will not reimburse.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–500–9976
  Web site:	http://www.lymphoma.org

  
  

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers programs that help cancer patients, family members, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. To get information about these programs, call the national ACS office, or find a local ACS office by typing your location into the search boxes on the “My Local ACS Office” Web page at http://www.cancer.org/asp/search/mla/mla_global.asp?navToScreen=mla_0 on the Internet. Some materials are published in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–227–2345 (1–800–ACS–2345)
  TTY:	1–866–228–4327
  Web site:	http://www.cancer.org

  
  

  • The Health Insurance Assistance Service (HIAS/ACS) aids cancer patients who have lost or are in danger of losing their health care coverage, along with identifying policy solutions to help others in similar situations. The service connects cancer patients who call the ACS cancer information number with health insurance specialists who work to address their needs.

  • Hope Lodge, a temporary housing program supported by ACS, provides free, temporary housing facilities for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. For more information about this program, or to find locations of Hope Lodges, call the ACS’s toll-free number above or visit the Hope Lodge Web page at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Hope_Lodge.asp on the Internet.

  • The Road to Recovery is an ACS service program that provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again. Transportation is provided according to the needs and available resources in the community and can be arranged by calling the toll-free number or by contacting the local ACS office.

  • The ACS offers Taking Charge of Money Matters, a workshop for people with cancer and their loved ones about financial concerns that may arise during or after cancer treatment, regardless of the person’s health insurance coverage. The session provides an opportunity to discuss financial matters with guest speakers who are knowledgeable about financial planning. More information about this workshop is available on the ACS Web page at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Taking_Charge_of_Money_Matters.asp on the Internet.

  • The ACS's "tlc" Tender Loving Care^® publication contains helpful articles and information, including products for women coping with cancer or any cancer treatment that causes hair loss. Products include wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, prostheses, bras, hats, turbans, swimwear, and helpful accessories at the lowest possible prices. The publication strives to help women facing cancer treatment cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer. To request a copy of “tlc,” call 1–800–850–9445, or visit “tlc” at http://www.tlcdirect.org on the Internet.

  
  
• CancerCare operates the AVONCares Program for Medically Underserved Women, in partnership with the Avon Foundation. This program provides financial assistance to low-income, under- and uninsured, underserved women throughout the country who need supportive services (transportation, childcare, and home care) related to the treatment of breast and gynecologic cancers.
  

  
  

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

  
  

• The LIVESTRONG™ SurvivorCare partnership between the Lance Armstrong Foundation, CancerCare, and the Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer survivors. For patients who are 6 months post-treatment with no evidence of disease, limited financial assistance is available for transportation to follow-up appointments, medical copays, cancer-related medications, and neuropsychological evaluation.

  Telephone:	1– 866–235–7205 or 1–866–673–7205
  Web site:	http://www.livestrong.org/survivorcare

• The National Patient Travel Helpline provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation and provides referrals to all appropriate sources of help available in the national charitable medical air transportation network.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–296–1217
  Web site:	http://www.patienttravel.org/

  
  

• Ronald McDonald Houses, supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities, provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Houses are temporary residences near the medical facility, where family members can sleep, eat, relax, and find support from other families in similar situations. In return, families are asked to make a donation ranging on average from $5 to $20 per day, but if that isn’t possible, their stay is free. To search for a Ronald McDonald House location, go to http://www.rmhc.org/who-we-are/chapter-search/ on the Internet.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	630–623–7048
  Web site:	http://www.rmhc.org

  
  

OTHER RESOURCES

In addition to the Government-sponsored programs and organizations already listed, these general resources may also be helpful:

• Some nonprofit community hospitals are able to provide care for patients in need of financial assistance. Other hospitals have indigent or charity care programs funded by state and local governments. For information about these programs, contact a hospital social worker, who will be able to explain these types of programs. Another type of assistance may be offered through your local health department. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Cancer Information Service may be able to provide information about local programs by phone at 1–800–4–CANCER. The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health.

• State and local social services agencies can provide help with food, housing, prescription drugs, transportation, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local agency; this number is found in the local telephone directory.

• Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the United Way of America, Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, and Catholic Charities 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.

• The Candlelighters^® Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of local support groups. The CCCF Web site contains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance. This list is available at http://www.candlelighters.org/financialassistance.stm on the Internet. In addition, some local CCCF affiliates offer financial assistance.
  

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–366–2223 (1–800–366–CCCF)
  Web site:	http://www.candlelighters.org

  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

NCI is the principal cancer research organization in the United States and has limited information about financial resources for people living outside this country. Patients and their families are strongly encouraged to speak with their doctor, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic about health care costs. Cancer patients and their families can also inquire about Government-sponsored programs and services supported by volunteer organizations in their country. There are a great many organizations and facilities that provide assistance to people with cancer. Cancer information services are available in many countries to provide information and answer questions about cancer; they may also be able to help locate financial assistance close to where you live. A list of these cancer information services is available on the International Cancer Information Service Group’s (ICISG) Web site at http://www.icisg.org/meet_memberslist.htm on the Internet or may be requested by writing to the NCI Public Inquiries Office, Cancer Information Service, Room 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC 8322, Bethesda, MD 20892–8322, USA. The ICISG is an independent international organization composed of cancer information services. Their mission is to provide high-quality cancer information services and resources to those concerned about, or affected by, cancer throughout the world.

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is another resource for people living outside the United States. The UICC consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. UICC membership includes research facilities and treatment centers, and in some countries, ministries of health. Other members include volunteer cancer leagues, associations, and societies. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about a variety of topics, including financial assistance. To find a resource in or near your country, you can search the UICC’s Membership Directory at http://www.uicc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14330&Itemid=29 on the Internet or contact the UICC at:

Address:	International Union Against Cancer (UICC) 62 route de Frontenex 1207 Geneva Switzerland
Telephone:	+ 41 22 809 18 11
Web site:	http://www.uicc.org

Some people living outside the United States may wish to have their cancer treatment in this country and require financial assistance to do so. Many facilities in the United States treat international cancer patients. These facilities may also provide support services, such as language interpretation, assistance with travel, and guidance in finding accommodations near the treatment facility for patients and their families. They might also be aware of resources that provide financial assistance to international patients.

If you live outside the United States and would like to obtain cancer treatment in this country, you should contact cancer treatment facilities directly to find out whether they have an international patient office. The NCI-Designated Cancer Centers database provides contact information for NCI-designated cancer centers throughout the United States. This database is located at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/cancer-centers on the Internet. Users can select all cancer centers or search by location, type of cancer center, or cancer center name.

For additional information about the process and requirements involved when traveling to the United States for treatment, you can review the “Finding a Treatment Facility for Patients Living Outside the United States” section of the NCI fact sheet How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer located at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/doctor-facility on the Internet.

• A world without ovarian cancer
• An accurate screening test for ovarian cancer
• An increased survival rate for women with ovarian cancer because more women are diagnosed in earlier stages
• Supporting women with ovarian cancer

Click Here For Website

While we continue to make strides towards those dreams, we have other dreams for our personal lives too.

What is your Dream?
MOCA has a special fund to support the dreams of women with ovarian cancer. Let us know what your dream is and we may be able to help. Up to ten MOCA Dream Awards will be made in amounts ranging from $2,500-10,000. Fill out the simple 3 page application to tell us about your dream and how we can make it happen.

Application Guidelines
• Recipient must be a woman with ovarian cancer (current or in remission) living in Minnesota.
• Person applying can be the survivor herself or a friend or relative of the survivor applying on their behalf. If the applicant is someone other than the survivor, he/she must have the permission of the survivor.
• Applications will be accepted from June 2 –September 22, 2008. Awards will be announced in late October, 2008.
• Recipients should plan to use the award from November 2008 – September 2009.

Funds should be used
• To strengthen a woman’s connection to her family or community
• To help her on her healing journey
• For something that the woman might not be able to do without the funds

Funds can be used for a wide variety of things. Below are just a few ideas.
• Cash assistance for a woman with ovarian cancer who is in a dire financial position
• A car for a woman undergoing chemotherapy without adequate transportation
• Assistance for adoption expenses for a young woman whose ovarian cancer may have left her unable to get pregnant and bear children
• A long awaited family reunion or vacation for a woman whose life span may be cut short by her ovarian cancer

It is suggested that funds requested be commensurate with desired outcome and be for amounts between $2,500 -10,000. MOCA reserves the right to supply goods instead of cash in some instances.

Award recipients:
• Must be willing to sign a liability release form
• Will be expected to participate in all press events and be willing to “share their story”
• May incur a tax liability depending on the value of the award

MOCA board members and staff and family members of board and staff are not eligible for awards

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 nonprofit 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.

Listed below are Government agencies, organizations, and programs that are designed to provide assistance for cancer patients and their families. However, resources provided by individual organizations vary, and it is important to check with a specific group to determine if financial aid is currently available. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified. This fact sheet is divided into four sections: Cancer Treatment, Practical Needs, Other Resources, and International Resources.

CANCER TREATMENT

• Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction and modernization funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide a reasonable volume of services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization and make their services available to all residents in the facility’s area. Information about Hill-Burton facilities is available by calling the toll-free number or visiting the Web site shown below. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–638–0742 (Maryland residents call 1–800–492–0359)
  Web site:	http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/default.htm

  
  

• Medicaid (Medical Assistance), a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses, is coordinated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive Federal income assistance such as Social Security Income and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies and equipment.

  Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office. Check the local telephone directory for the number to call. Information about specific state contacts is also available on the Web site listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–267–2323
  Web site:	http://www.cms.gov/medicaid/consumer.asp

  
  

• The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act provides, in most states, Medicaid coverage for treatment to women who have been screened for and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information about eligibility and contacts for this program, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) “Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000” Web page, which is located at http://www.cdc.gov/CANCER/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm on the Internet.

• Medicare is a Federal health insurance program also administered by the CMS. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and disabled people under age 65. Medicare is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A pays for hospital care, home health care, hospice care, and care in Medicare-certified nursing facilities. Part B covers medically necessary services, including diagnostic studies, physicians' services, durable home medical equipment, and ambulance transportation; Part B also covers screening exams for several types of cancer. To receive information on eligibility, explanations of coverage, and related publications, call Medicare at the number listed below or visit their Web site. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE)
  TTY:	1–877–486–2048
  Web site:	http://www.medicare.gov

  
  

• The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a Federal-State partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured infants, children, and teens. Callers will be referred to the program in their state for further information about what the program covers, who is eligible, and the minimum qualifications. In most states, uninsured children age 18 and younger whose families earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. For a list of health insurance coverage and eligibility by state, go to http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.asp on the Internet.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–543–7669 (1–877–KIDS–NOW)
  Web site:	http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

  
  

• The Veterans Administration (VA) provides eligible veterans with treatment for service-connected injuries and other medical conditions. The VA offers limited medical benefits to family members of eligible veterans. The VA cancer program provides users of the veterans health care system easy access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. Its Web site offers cancer facts, information about care, a list of VA-designated comprehensive cancer centers, and the VA's national cancer strategy. For more information about the VA cancer program, visit the VA Cancer Web page at http://www1.va.gov/cancer/index.cfm on the Internet. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–877–222–8387 (1–877–222–VETS)
  TTY:	1–800–829–4833
  Web site:	http://www1.va.gov/health/

  
  

• CancerCare is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Financial assistance is given in the form of limited grants for certain treatment expenses. Services are provided by oncology social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency's Web site. CancerCare's reach also extends to professionals—providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the CancerCare Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish. Information about financial assistance for all cancers is available at http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/cc_financial.php on the Internet.

  
  

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

  
  

  CancerCare has also partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to create the Linking A.R.M.S. program, which provides limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and antinausea medication, lymphedema supplies, and durable medical equipment for women with breast cancer.

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to patients in significant financial need who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. The LLS's “Patient Financial Aid” Web page provides more information about the types of service available, application forms, and eligibility requirements at http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4603 on the Internet.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–955–4572
  Web site:	http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

  
  

• The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) offers financial assistance through its Marrow Foundation® Patient Assistance Program (the fund-raising partner of the NMDP). The Patient Assistance Program helps patients pay for searching the NMDP Registry and/or for some post-transplant costs. Applications for Patient Assistance Program funds must be submitted by an NMDP transplant center. Eligible patients may ask their transplant center coordinator to apply for one or both programs (search assistance and/or transplant support assistance).

  
  

  Telephone:	1–888–999–6743 (Office of Patient Advocacy)
  Web site:	http://www.marrow.org

  
  

• NeedyMeds is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. The information at NeedyMeds can be obtained anonymously and is free of charge. NeedyMeds is an information source similar to the Yellow Pages; it does not supply medications or financial assistance, but helps people find assistance programs and other available resources.

  
  

  Web site:

  http://www.needymeds.com/

  
  

• The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters. The PAF also conducts outreach to African American and Hispanic/Latino American populations.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–532–5274
  Web site:	http://www.patientadvocate.org

  • The Colorectal CareLine is designed to provide assistance to patients with colorectal cancer. It offers financial aid through the Financial Aid Fund for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer. For more information about the Colorectal CareLine, visit http://www.colorectalcareline.org/ or call 1–866–657–8634.

  • The Co-Pay Relief Program provides limited payment assistance for medicine to insured patients who financially and medically qualify. For more information about the Co-Pay Relief Program, visit http://www.copays.org or call 1–866–512–3861.

• Patient Assistance Programs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. 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 or visit the drug manufacturer's Web site. Most pharmaceutical companies will have a section titled “patient assistance programs” on their Web site.

PRACTICAL NEEDS

In addition to cancer treatments, many cancer patients need assistance paying for transportation to and from medical appointments and basic living expenses such as food and housing. Listed below are organizations dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families during and after the patient's treatment.

• Eldercare Locator is a referral service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eldercare Locator information specialists will link callers with state and area agencies on aging for information and referral to local agencies that provide a wide array of senior services. This service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–677–1116
  Web site:	http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp

  
  

• GovBenefits.gov is a partnership of Federal agencies with a shared vision to provide improved, personalized access to government assistance programs. This Web site's online screening tool is free, easy-to-use, and completely confidential. The user answers a series of questions, then the Web site generates a list of government benefit programs that the user may be eligible to receive, along with information about how the user can apply.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–333–4636 (1–800–FED–INFO)
  Web site:	http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal

  
  

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the Government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. Social Security provides monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. More information about these and other SSA programs is available by calling the toll-free number listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available. Additional contact information for the SSA is available at http://www.ssa.gov/reach.htm on the Internet.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–772–1213
  TTY:	1–800–325–0778
  Web site:	http://www.ssa.gov/

  
  

  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is administered by the SSA and supplements Social Security payments for aged, blind, and disabled people with little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to file a claim is available from the SSA. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is available at https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps7/best/benefits/ on the Internet.

  
  

  Web site:

  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi

  
  

• The National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF) provides financial assistance to patients through its Patient Help Fund. The Patient Help Fund assists patients with treatment-related expenses, medication copays, and transportation to treatment. Financial assistance applications are reviewed on a monthly basis, and awards range from $100 to $1,000.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–934–2873 (1–800–934–CURE)
  Web site:	http://www.braintumor.org

  
  

• The Lymphoma Research Foundation (Patient Services) offers a patient aid grant program, which provides up to $250 for “quality of life” expenses, including travel and transportation, temporary lodging, childcare, home care, cosmetic aids, medical devices, and hygiene products. In addition, uninsured or underinsured applicants can indicate on their application and discuss with the Program Coordinator if they have accumulated medical debts. Funds are available to reimburse health care providers for patients’ hospital or physician bills that insurance will not reimburse.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–500–9976
  Web site:	http://www.lymphoma.org

  
  

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers programs that help cancer patients, family members, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. To get information about these programs, call the national ACS office, or find a local ACS office by typing your location into the search boxes on the “My Local ACS Office” Web page at http://www.cancer.org/asp/search/mla/mla_global.asp?navToScreen=mla_0 on the Internet. Some materials are published in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–227–2345 (1–800–ACS–2345)
  TTY:	1–866–228–4327
  Web site:	http://www.cancer.org

  
  

  • The Health Insurance Assistance Service (HIAS/ACS) aids cancer patients who have lost or are in danger of losing their health care coverage, along with identifying policy solutions to help others in similar situations. The service, a joint effort of the ACS and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, connects cancer patients who call the ACS cancer information number with health insurance specialists who work to address their needs.

  • Hope Lodge, a temporary housing program supported by ACS, provides free, temporary housing facilities for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. For more information about this program, or to find locations of Hope Lodges, call the ACS's toll-free number above or visit the Hope Lodge Web page at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Hope_Lodge.asp on the Internet.

  • The Road to Recovery is an ACS service program that provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again. Transportation is provided according to the needs and available resources in the community and can be arranged by calling the toll-free number or by contacting the local ACS office.

  • The ACS offers Taking Charge of Money Matters , a workshop for people with cancer and their loved ones about financial concerns that may arise during or after cancer treatment, regardless of the person's health insurance coverage. The session provides an opportunity to discuss financial matters with guest speakers who are knowledgeable about financial planning. More information about this workshop is available on the ACS Web page at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Taking_Charge_of_Money_Matters.asp on the Internet.

  • The ACS's "tlc" Tender Loving Care^® publication contains helpful articles and information, including products for women coping with cancer or any cancer treatment that causes hair loss. Products include wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, prostheses, bras, hats, turbans, swimwear, and helpful accessories at the lowest possible prices. The publication strives to help women facing cancer treatment cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer. To request a copy of "tlc," call 1–800–850–9445, or visit "tlc" at http://www.tlccatalog.org on the Internet.

• The Brain Tumor Society is a national nonprofit agency that provides information about brain tumors and related conditions for patients and their families. Financial assistance is given through the agency's BTS CARES Financial Assistance Program. This program provides supplementary financial assistance to individuals experiencing financial need. This program covers specific nonmedical costs related to a primary brain tumor diagnosis. Direct medical expenses are not covered.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–770–8287 (1–800–770–TBTS)
  Web site:	http://www.tbts.org

  
  

• CancerCare operates the AVONCares Program for Medically Underserved Women, in partnership with the Avon Foundation. This program provides financial assistance to low-income, under- and uninsured, underserved women throughout the country who need supportive services (transportation, child care, and home care) related to the treatment of breast and cervical cancers.

  
  

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

  
  

• The LIVESTRONG™ SurvivorCare partnership between CancerCare and the Lance Armstrong Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer survivors. For patients who are 6 months post-treatment with no evidence of disease, limited financial assistance is available for transportation to follow-up appointments, medical copays, cancer-related medications, and neuropsychological evaluation

  Telephone:	1– 866–235–7205
  Web sites:	http://www.cancercare.org http://www.livestrong.org

• The National Patient Travel Helpline provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation and provides referrals to all appropriate sources of help available in the national charitable medical air transportation network.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–296–1217
  Web site:	http://www.patienttravel.org/

  
  

• Ronald McDonald Houses, supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities, provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Houses are temporary residences near the medical facility, where family members can sleep, eat, relax, and find support from other families in similar situations. In return, families are asked to make a donation ranging on average from $5 to $20 per day, but if that isn't possible, their stay is free. To search for a Ronald McDonald House location, go to http://www.rmhc.org/search_cm on the Internet.

  
  

  Telephone:	630–623–7048
  Web site:	http://www.rmhc.com

  
  

OTHER RESOURCES

In addition to the Government-sponsored programs and organizations already listed, these general resources may also be helpful:

• The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care offers Health Centers that provide health care to low-income and other vulnerable populations. Health Centers care for people regardless of their ability to pay. They provide primary and preventive health care, as well as services such as transportation and translation. To locate a Health Center, visit the "Service Delivery Sites" Web page at http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ on the Internet.

• Some nonprofit community hospitals are able to provide care for patients in need of financial assistance. Other hospitals have indigent or charity care programs funded by state and local governments. For information about these programs, contact a hospital social worker, who will be able to explain these types of programs. Another type of assistance may be offered through your local health department. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Information Service may be able to provide information about local programs by phone at 1–800–4–CANCER. The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health.

• State and local social services agencies can provide help with food, housing, prescription drugs, transportation, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local agency; this number is found in the local telephone directory.

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide information about tax deductions for medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies. For example, 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. Deductible-qualified medical expenses include those incurred by the patient, spouse, and dependents. Medical expenses may also be deducted for someone who would have qualified as a dependent for the purpose of taking personal exemptions except that the person did not meet the gross income or joint return test. Nursing home expenses are allowable as medical expenses in certain instances. If the patient, a spouse, or dependent is in a nursing home, and the primary reason for being there is for medical care, the entire cost, including meals and lodging, is a medical expense. The local IRS office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine whether medical costs are tax deductible.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–829–1040
  Web site:	http://www.irs.gov

  
  

• Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the United Way of America , Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, and Catholic Charities 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.

• The Candlelighters^® Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of local support groups. The CCCF Web site contains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance. This list is available at http://www.candlelighters.org/financialassistance.stm on the Internet. In addition, some local CCCF affiliates offer financial assistance.

  
  

  Telephone:	1–800–366–2223 (1–800–366–CCCF)
  Web site:	http://www.candlelighters.org

  
  

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

The NCI is the principal cancer research organization in the United States and has limited information about financial resources for people living outside this country. Patients and their families are strongly encouraged to speak with their doctor, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic about health care costs. Cancer patients and their families can also inquire about Government-sponsored programs and services supported by volunteer organizations in their country. There are a great many organizations and facilities that provide assistance to people with cancer. Cancer information services are available in many countries to provide information and answer questions about cancer; they may also be able to help locate financial assistance close to where you live. A list of these cancer information services is available on the International Cancer Information Service Group's (ICISG) Web site at http://www.icisg.org/meet_memberslist.htm on the Internet or may be requested by writing to the NCI Public Inquiries Office, Cancer Information Service, Room 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC 8322, Bethesda, MD 20892–8322, USA. The ICISG is an independent international organization composed of cancer information services. Their mission is to provide high-quality cancer information services and resources to those concerned about, or affected by, cancer throughout the world.

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is another resource for people living outside the United States. The UICC consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. UICC membership includes research facilities and treatment centers, and in some countries, ministries of health. Other members include volunteer cancer leagues, associations, and societies. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about a variety of topics, including financial assistance. To find a resource in or near your country, you can search the UICC's Membership Directory at http://www.uicc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14330&Itemid=29 on the Internet or contact the UICC at:

Address:	International Union Against Cancer (UICC) 62 route de Frontenex 1207 Geneva Switzerland
Telephone:	+ 41 22 809 18 11
Web site:	http://www.uicc.org

Some people living outside the United States may wish to have their cancer treatment in this country and require financial assistance to do so. Many facilities in the United States treat international cancer patients. These facilities may also provide support services, such as language interpretation, assistance with travel, and guidance in finding accommodations near the treatment facility for patients and their families. They might also be aware of resources that provide financial assistance to international patients.

If you live outside the United States and would like to obtain cancer treatment in this country, you should contact cancer treatment facilities directly to find out whether they have an international patient office. The NCI-Designated Cancer Centers database provides contact information for NCI-designated cancer centers throughout the United States. This database is located at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/cancer-centers on the Internet. Users can select all cancer centers or search by location, type of cancer center, or cancer center name.

For additional information about the process and requirements involved when traveling to the United States for treatment, you can review the "Finding a Treatment Facility for Patients Living Outside the United States" section of the NCI fact sheet How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer located at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/doctor-facility on the Internet.

# # #

Related NCI materials and Web pages:

• National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 7.47, How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer
  (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/doctor-facility)
• National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 8.9, How To Find Resources in Your Own Community If You Have Cancer
  (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/resources)
• National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers Database
  (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/cancer-centers)
• National Cancer Institute National Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and Their Families Database
  (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Rehabilitation/organizations)

NCI's Cancer Information Service
Telephone (toll-free): 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
TTY (toll-free): 1–800–332–8615
LiveHelp^® online chat: https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp

LOW COST AND FREE ASSISTANCE FOR CANCER PATIENTS - MEDS  ,  SUPPORT  ,  PROGRAMS  , CAREGIVERS  AND DAY TO DAY NEEDS

 

_________________________________________________________________

 

 08/27/09

 If you are terminally ill with cancer and you would like to talk to someone but you are uncomfortable about talking to a family member or a close friend because they will get too upset , here are some ideas of what you can do and who you might talk to instead .

http://cms.carepages.com/CarePages/en/ArticlesTips/FeatureArticles/Contributors/Emotional-Healing-for-the-Terminally-Ill.html

 

 

 

 06/14/09

Another source for possible financial assistance. This is called the Cancer coalition. 

http://www.cancerfac.org/

 

 

 

05/25/09

Here are some free publications about cancer and the challenges that go with it. Including recipe books and more. 

https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/home.aspx

 

 

 

 

 01/08/09

 

 

Our mission is to provide financial relief and heartfelt support to families fighting pediatric cancers and other life-threatening diseases.

While the majority of our efforts are dedicated to families fighting solid-tumor, pediatric-type cancers, we extend support to families with similar medical situations and urgent, unfulfilled needs.

The focus of our current efforts is to raise funds to help eligible families pay for a variety of significant expenses that mount during the patient's treatment, including:

• Everyday home bills that accumulate due to lost wages of parents (e.g., mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc.)
  
• Transportation to care centers and lodging for family members
  
• Child care
  
• Palliative care
  
• Other special patient needs (medical or non-medical) 

 

At this time, Family Reach Foundation is able to provide support to families only through the hospitals that are in its partner network.  If you are in need of financial assistance and have a loved-one fighting cancer at one of the following hospitals, please contact the social work department and ask about Family Reach.  We wish you the very best as you or a loved-one strives to defeat cancer.

 

Hospitals in the Family Reach Network:

 

New York/New Jersey
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
New York Presbyterian
Robert Wood Johnson
St. Barnabas, Livingston
St. Barnabas, Newark Beth Israel
Morristown Memorial
Valley Hospital

 

New England
Dana-Farber

 

Other
Johns Hopkins, Baltimore
Rady Children's, San Diego

 

The information posted above is from the Family Reach website at this link :

http://www.familyreach.org/about-us/

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/13/08

Do you need to go out of town for treatment ? There may be a special place for you and your loved ones to stay for free.

"Facing cancer is hard. Having to travel out of town for treatment can make it even harder. Yet the American Cancer Society has a place where cancer patients and their families can find help and hope when home is far away - an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

Each Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their families a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows Hope Lodge guests to focus on the most important thing: getting well.

And a Hope Lodge offers so much more than just free lodging. It provides a nurturing, home-like environment where patients and caregivers can retreat to private rooms or connect with others who are going through many of the same experiences."

Go here to find out if there is a Hope Lodge near your treatment location :

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/hopelodge/locations.asp

 

 

 

 

 

 Another way to find resources , including lodging would be to go to this resource page and type in your location . This is a great page for finding all kinds of assistance with your cancer challenges.

http://www.cancer.org/asp/search/crd/crd_global.asp

 

 

 

MEDICATIONS

This page shows pharmacutical companies that supply free meds specifically for cancer patients 

MED ASSISTANCE DIRECT FROM COMPANIES

 

If you need an unapproved drug (one not approved by the FDA) here are some ideas to obtain it.

ACCESS TO UNAPPROVED DRUGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE FINANCIAL AND PRACTICAL HELP 

 

FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

This source has many good ideas for assistance ,and links to even more organizations that provide help.

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 nonprofit 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.

Listed below are Government agencies, organizations, and programs that are designed to provide assistance for cancer patients and their families. However, resources provided by individual organizations vary, and it is important to check with a specific group to determine if financial aid is currently available. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified. "

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER.

 

 

From the Lance Armstrong Foundation                                                           

 The page you will be referred to has a great list of things to think about and use in your journey with cancer such as  financial and employment , insurance ,caregiver , family support and more.

Want to talk to someone?LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare offers help with financial, employment or insurance issues for all cancer survivors, including those diagnosed, caregivers, family and friends.

We can help you:

• Assistance with job retention and dealing with discrimination at work
• How to pay for treatment if you are uninsured
  How to apply for Medicare
• How to manage insurance appeals and disability claims
• Financial assistance for transportation, child care and home care
• Managing debt crisis issues

LIVESTRONG from the Lance Armstrong Foundation 

 

 

 

 

Here is a large listing of cancer organizations by state and by type of cancer.

In many situations that deal with a certain type of cancer , you can find the best  assistance and low cost/free help by going directly to the organization that concentrates on your or your loved one's type of cancer. Then look under titles such as "financial help or assistance" , or " support groups" or " contact numbers/people" .

http://www.cellscience.com/CANCharities.html#USA

 

 

This page has help for making decisions about what kind of treatment path you want to take for your particular cancer challenge.

Need Help with Treatment Decisions?

Use these FREE interactive decision support tools to answer the question "What does the clinical information mean to me?" You will receive a personalized treatment options report tailored to your diagnosis. Your report will provide the pros and cons of each treatment, side effects, questions to ask your physician, plus access to relevant summaries of clinical studies.  
 

CLIENT START TREATMENT MODALITY PROGRAMS

   

 

 

Another wonderful site for assistance

A Helping Hand Resource Guide

A Helping Hand (now in its Fifth Edition) is CancerCare’s free guide to help you find resources that provide valuable services to people with cancer and their loved ones. An online version with search features will be coming to CancerCare’s website. You may also request a free printed copy of the Helping Hand Resource Guide.

Some tips from A Helping Hand for finding resources are in the pages that follow.

• Finding Reliable Health Information on the Web
• Getting the Most From a Service
• Finding Resources in Your Community

  CANCERCARE

 

For Air Travel needs

This program is great . One of the good things that they provide, in addition to air travel for the patient , is transportation for an adult companion (2 adults for children)

Free Air Travel for people with cancer

Corporate Angel Network arranges

 free travel on corporate jets for cancer patients, bone marrow donors and bone marrow recipients, as long as they:

• Travel to or from an approved* cancer treatment center
• Are able to walk up and down the steps to a private plane without assistance
• Do not require oxygen, IV or any other form of life support during the flight

More Benefits

By taking a Corporate Angel flight, a patient:

• Saves the expense of commercial airline tickets
• Avoids crowds in air terminals and on the aircraft
• Is permitted to bring an adult companion; children can travel with two adults
• Travels in comfort and ease, as often as necessary

 

Corporate Angel Care

 

 

 

CANCER ASSISTANCE BY DIAGNOSIS

 

BREAST CANCER

For those who have breast cancer , and for those that love them and want to know what to do to support them .
For women newly diagnosed with breast cancer... and the people who care about them.

Have you just received the shocking news that you have breast cancer?
Has someone you care about just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Now you can know what to say and do.

BETWEEN US a first-aid kit for the heart and soul 

 

 

  
LUNG CANCER

The following site lists the top (5 star rated ) sites on the net for lung cancer patients. The sites cover finances , meds , and all related needs.

LUNG CARE ASSISTANCE

 

 

Pdf. for Leukemia , Lymphoma and Myloma CO-PAY ASSISTANCE

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1188578780.pdf 

 

 

 

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CANCER HELP BY LOCATION

 

 

INDIANA

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is a  not-for-profit agency providing non-medical services to people with cancer and their families in northeast Indiana.  We serve people who live in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Noble, LaGrange, Steuben, Wabash, Wells,  and Whitley counties. 

These are areas some of the areas of assistance that the Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana provide :

Personal Advocacy

Equipment

Nutrition

Wig Salon

Library

Support Group

Bereavement

Wellness

Transportation

Financial Assist

Seminars

http://www.cancer-services.org/

 

 

BY STATE

 

COLORADO

Sense of Security Provides assistance with expenses such as rent/mortgage & food for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. http://www.senseofsecurity.org/

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