Navigating Cancer Costs: Your Guide to Financial Assistance Programs

Cancer treatment can bring unexpected financial challenges. Beyond medical bills, costs can arise from lost income, travel, accommodation, and daily living expenses. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and various Cancer Care Financial Assistance Programs are available to help ease this burden. This guide will walk you through resources and programs that can provide support, ensuring you can focus on your health and recovery.

Understanding Financial Strain During Cancer Treatment

Facing cancer involves more than just medical battles. The ripple effects can significantly impact your financial stability. Many individuals undergoing cancer treatment experience:

Loss of Income: Treatment and its side effects often necessitate time away from work, leading to reduced or complete loss of salary.
Increased Expenses: Travel to treatment centers, accommodation near hospitals, specialized diets, and home care can add substantial costs.
Burden on Family: Family members who take time off to provide care may also face income loss, further straining household finances.

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Many people find it difficult to seek financial assistance, especially if they’ve never faced such challenges before. However, numerous organizations and government programs are specifically designed to support cancer patients and their families during these times.

Exploring Cancer Care Financial Assistance Programs

The good news is that a range of financial assistance programs can help alleviate the financial stress associated with cancer care. These programs address various needs, from housing and transportation to food and caregiver support.

Short-Term Housing Assistance Near Treatment Centers

Traveling for specialized cancer treatment can be necessary, but it adds accommodation costs. Several programs offer short-term housing solutions:

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge®: This program provides free lodging for patients and caregivers when treatment is far from home. Hope Lodge offers a supportive environment and reduces accommodation expenses significantly. Contact the American Cancer Society to check for a Hope Lodge near your treatment center.
Extended Stay America: Partnering with the American Cancer Society, Extended Stay America offers discounted hotel rooms for cancer patients needing accommodation during treatment. Inquire through the American Cancer Society for program details and availability.
Healthcare Hospitality Network (HHN): HHN is a network of nearly 200 non-profit organizations across the US providing low-cost or free lodging for families seeking medical treatment away from home. Explore their online directory to find locations near your treatment facility.
Ronald McDonald House: Primarily for families of children with cancer, Ronald McDonald House offers low-cost or free housing near pediatric treatment centers. Referral from medical staff or social workers at the treatment facility is usually required. Contact your cancer care team or Ronald McDonald House Charities directly for more information (www.rmhc.org).
Medicaid: Some state Medicaid programs offer lodging assistance during cancer treatment. Check with your state Medicaid provider to understand if your plan covers short-term housing costs.
Veterans Administration (VA): Veterans may be eligible for travel and lodging expense reimbursement related to medical care through the VA. Contact the VA to explore travel benefits.

Support for Caregiver Expenses

Caregivers play a crucial role in cancer patients’ lives, and their dedication sometimes incurs financial strain. Some programs offer caregiver support:

State Cash and Counseling Programs: Certain states offer programs that directly pay caregivers. Contact your local Medicaid office, social services, or health department to inquire about programs in your state.
Veterans Administration Caregiver Support: The VA provides programs that include financial assistance for caregivers of veterans. Explore VA caregiver support programs for eligibility details.

Housing and Mortgage Payment Assistance

Cancer-related expenses and income loss can jeopardize housing stability. If you’re struggling with mortgage or rent payments:

Communicate with Creditors/Landlords: Openly discuss your situation with your mortgage lender or landlord. They may be willing to work out temporary arrangements to help you stay in your home and maintain your credit rating.
Seek Support from Community: Family, friends, and church communities may offer short-term financial help if they understand your situation.
Consult Your Cancer Care Team: Social workers on your cancer care team are knowledgeable about resources and may know of specific programs for housing assistance.
County Department of Social Services: If relocation becomes necessary, contact your county department of social services to explore low-cost or government-supported housing options. In some states, these programs may be under the health or welfare department.

Transportation Assistance Programs

Getting to and from treatment appointments is vital, and transportation costs can accumulate. Several programs can help:

American Cancer Society Road To Recovery: This program provides volunteer drivers to transport patients to treatment centers in many areas. Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to see if the program is available in your locality.
Medicaid and Medicare Transportation Benefits: Medicaid and Medicare may offer transportation assistance to medical appointments, potentially covering gas reimbursement, bus fare, or vanpool services. Contact your county department of social services or your Medicaid/Medicare provider for details.
Local Transit Agencies: Local public transit systems may offer reduced fares or specific services for individuals with medical needs. Check with your local public transit agency for available options.
Paratransit Services: For individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route public transportation, paratransit (door-to-door) services might be available. Contact your local public transit agency to inquire about paratransit options and costs.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Patient Aid Program: The LLS offers financial aid for gas and parking costs associated with outpatient treatment for blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma). Contact your social worker or the LLS at 1-800-955-4572 or www.lls.org for program details.
Mercy Medical Angels: This organization provides cost-effective non-emergency transportation, including gas cards, bus, train, or airfare for long-distance travel. Explore eligibility and application information at mercymedical.org.
NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds maintains a list of programs offering medical transportation assistance or travel expense support for those with limited financial resources. Visit NeedyMeds for more information.
Community and Church Groups: Local community and church organizations may offer transportation assistance. Also, discuss parking fee assistance at hospitals or clinics with your cancer care team social worker.

Food Assistance Programs

Ensuring proper nutrition during cancer treatment is essential, and food costs can be a concern. Government programs can help:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP provides an Electronic Benefits Transfer card for purchasing food at grocery stores. Contact your state or local health or social services department, or call 1-800-221-5689 for local SNAP information.
Meals on Wheels: This program delivers ready-to-eat meals to individuals who are disabled, homebound, or elderly. Costs may vary. Contact Meals on Wheels at 888-998-6325 or www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Church Groups and Food Pantries: Local church groups often have food pantries or offer food assistance to those in need.
National Hunger Hotline: For information on food assistance programs, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 (English) or 1-877-842-6273 (Spanish), or visit www.whyhunger.org.

Dental Care Financial Assistance

Dental health is crucial, especially before and during cancer treatment. If you lack dental insurance or need help covering costs:

NeedyMeds Dental Clinics Database: NeedyMeds provides a database of dental clinics offering free or reduced-cost dental care based on income.
US Department of Health and Human Services Resources: The HHS provides links to low-cost dental care providers, including:
- Community health centers
- Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
- Veterans Affairs dental care
- Dental schools offering reduced-cost services
- findhelp.org for local dental resources
- Your state or local health department for local programs.
Cancer Care Team Social Worker/Navigator: Consult your cancer care team’s social worker or patient navigator for local dental care resources and financial assistance options.

Assistance with Other Essential Expenses

Beyond the above categories, additional programs can help with other living expenses:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF provides monthly grants to low-income families to help with food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, phone, medical supplies not covered by Medicaid, and other basic needs. Contact your local health or social services department or visit https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-tanf/index.htm for more information. Your social worker can also provide details about your state’s TANF program.

Internet Access Assistance

Internet access is increasingly important for accessing health information and resources. Programs exist to help with internet costs:

Affordable Connectivity Program (FCC): The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program lowers internet costs for eligible low-income households. Contact your local internet provider or visit affordableconnectivity.gov to learn more.
Public Libraries: Libraries often offer free computer and internet access, with staff or volunteers available to assist with online searches.
Toll-Free Helplines: Organizations like the American Cancer Society (800-227-2345) provide toll-free phone numbers for those without internet access to inquire about services and support.

Finding the Right Support

Navigating the landscape of cancer care financial assistance programs can feel daunting. Here are key steps to take:

Talk to Your Cancer Care Team: Your social worker or patient navigator is your primary resource. They can assess your needs and connect you with relevant programs.
Explore National Organizations: Organizations like the American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and others listed in this guide offer diverse assistance programs.
Utilize Online Resources: Websites like NeedyMeds, findhelp.org, and government program websites provide searchable databases and information.
Contact Helplines: Don’t hesitate to call toll-free helplines for personalized guidance and program information.
Seek Community Support: Local churches, community centers, and support groups may offer assistance or connect you with resources.

Remember, seeking financial assistance is a proactive step in managing the challenges of cancer treatment. Numerous programs are designed to help, and taking advantage of these resources can significantly reduce financial stress, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

Need More Information?

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center/Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116, www.nadtc.org
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: 1-800-677-1116, www.n4a.org
National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-348-6479 (English), 1-877-842-6273 (Spanish), www.whyhunger.org
United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (211): www.211.org
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC): 1-888-641-8722, www.usac.org