Sources of Financial Assistance
The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming. Even having health insurance doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to afford treatment. It’s best to start researching your options early in the process. This fact sheet lists various sources of financial assistance available to people with cancer. Check with each agency or organization to see if you qualify for help.
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, older adults and the disabled. Each entitlement has eligibility requirements. There are also programs administered through state governments that can help with health care-related needs. Government assistance programs include:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Information on public assistance and food stamps.
Benefits for older adults. Eldercare Locator finds resources in your community.
800-677-1116
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
800-633-4227
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213
Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs
Programs and services differ among drug manufacturers but may include:
- Help with insurance reimbursement
- Referrals to co-pay relief programs
- Help with the application process
- Discounted or free medications for 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 use the Medicine Assistance Tool, which has a list of pharmaceutical programs and other resources for financial assistance. Needy Meds can also help with costs.
800-503-6897
Nonprofit Programs for Co-Pay Relief
A number of nonprofit organizations provide help for expenses such as drug co payments, deductibles and other medical costs. These programs have their own eligibility rules and may cover only certain cancers. Contact each organization to learn more.
CancerCare® Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
866-55-COPAY (26729)
877-968-7233
800-675-8416
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Co-Pay Assistance Program
877-557-2672
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
800-999-6673 203-744-0100
Patient Access Network Foundation
866-316-7263
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program
866-512-3861
Cancer Organizations
800-813-HOPE (4673)
800-227-2345
Be the Match (National Marrow Donor Program)
888-999-6743
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
800-955-4572
800-500-9976
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Colorectal CareLine
866-657-8634
415-381-7236
877-465-6636
General Organizations
Community Organizations To find local resources, check to see if there is a 211 information and referral service (www.211.org) in your area.
Edited by Victoria Puzo, LCSW