Financial Resources
Many lung cancer patients find themselves in need of financial assistance at some point in the journey.
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
A searchable database of both medical and non-medical financial assistance (national and regional) all over the US.
Patient Advocate Foundation
Maintains an extensive National Financial Resources Guidebook, organized state-by-state.
Uninsured
Being diagnosed with lung cancer can be difficult but is even more so without insurance. The goal should be to secure insurance, whether through an entitlement program like Medicaid, by joining a high-risk pool, or by purchasing private insurance. Planned healthcare changes include eliminating pre-existing condition clauses that keep those diagnosed with cancer from getting insurance.
Here are some ideas and resources that may help.
Foundation for Health Coverage Education.
Offers four ways to help you find free and low cost health coverage in your area. One way is to call the Uninsured Helpline at 1 (800) 234-1317. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
State-specific programs.
Some states have programs to help those with cancer who are uninsured and in some cases, the underinsured. Programs we know of include Virginia Cares, provided by the Patient Advocacy Foundation, the Delaware Cancer Treatment Program, and the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program.
Hill-Burton Facilities
List of facilities that agree to provide free or reduced health care to the uninsured who qualify. Check to see if there is a participating hospital near you.
Uncompensated care (“charity care”)
Many non-profit hospitals provide some level of free or reduced care, either as part of their mission or to maintain their tax-exempt status. If you haven’t been offered this at your facility, ask if it is offered.
Hospital Victims
If you need to pay out of pocket, the help provided by the Hospital Victims project may make all the difference. Their purpose is to help the uninsured, encourage transparency in hospital prices, bring an end to the disparity between the insured and the uninsured, and to help overcome financially impossible hospital charges.
Co-pay Assistance
CancerCare Co-Pay Assistance Foundation
1 (866) 552-6729.
Medication co-pay assistance for non-small cell lung cancer.
Patient Access Network Foundation
1 (866) 316-7263.
Medication co-pay assistance for non-small cell lung cancer.
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Center
1 (866) 512-3861
Medication co-pay assistance for small cell lung cancer.
Drug Assistance Programs
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
1 (888) 477-2669
Helps those who are without prescription drug coverage and who qualify get the medication they need.
Needy Meds
Online resource with information about pharmaceutical and government assistance programs.
Transportation and traveling for treatment
CancerCare
1 (800) 813-HOPE
Provides limited financial assistance for transportation, homecare, childcare and pain medication.
American Cancer Society
1 (800) ACS-2345.
Programs vary by area of the country but include Road to Recovery, in which volunteers provide transportation to and from appointments, and financial assistance for gasoline.
National Patient Travel Center
1 (800) 296-1217
Offers 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.
Joe’s House
1 (877) 563-7468
A resource for finding a place to stay near hospitals and treatment centers all over the country. Listings include details such as distance to the hospital, reservation directions, and amenities, oftentimes with discounted rates.
Other
Caregivers Marketplace
Provides rebates on products often used by cancer patients.