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 before a financial crisis develops. 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, 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:

Social Security
1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov

Medicare and Medicaid
1-877-267-2323
www.cms.hhs.gov

Dept. of Health & Human Services
Information on public assistance and food stamps.
Check phonebook for your local office
www.os.dhhs.gov

U.S. Administration on Aging
Benefits for older adults.
1-800-677-1116
www.eldercare.gov (Eldercare Locator finds resources in your community)

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.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
1-888-4-PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)
www.pparx.org

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
1-866-55-COPAY
www.cancercarecopay.org

Chronic Disease Fund
1-877-968-7233
www.cdfund.org

Healthwell Foundation
1-800-675-8416
www.healthwellfoundation.org

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Co-Pay Assistance Program
1-877-557-2672
www.lls.org/copay

National Organization for Rare Disorders
1-800-999-6673 (Voicemail only)
1-203-744-0100
www.rarediseases.org

Patient Access Network Foundation
1-866-316-7263
www.panfoundation.org

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program
1-866-512-3861
www.copays.org

Patient Services Incorporated
1-800-366-7741
www.uneedpsi.org

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

CancerCare
1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
www.cancercare.org

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
1-800-955-4572
www.lls.org

Lymphoma Research Foundation
1-800-500-9976
www.lymphoma.org

National Brain Tumor Society
1-800-934-2873
www.braintumor.org

National Marrow Donor Program
1-888-999-6743
www.marrow.org

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Colorectal CareLine
1-866-657-8634
www.colorectalcareline.org

Sarcoma Alliance
1-415-381-7236
www.sarcomaalliance.org

GENERAL ORGANIZATIONS

ACS’s Community Resource Connection
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org

United Way
Check phonebook for local office
www.liveunited.org

Community Organizations
Check phonebook under “social service agencies.”

Religious Organizations These include Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Family Services, and others.
Check phonebook for listings.