Financial Assistance

The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a consortium of organizations that help patients manage financial challenges that can emerge as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Patient Advocacy/Support organizations, such as Sarcoma Alliance, offer financial assistance/ reimbursement for certain expenses connected to second opinion medical appointments–up to $500 upon meeting eligibility requirements. Advocacy support organizations may offer various program and services to assist with cancer care expenses. Organizations offer different types of assistance with their own eligibility/regulatory parameters. Additionally, there is no guarantee that funds would always be available.  Funds are limited and the amount of funding varies, therefore each should be contacted for specific information.

• Co-Pay Relief Program– Many voluntary organizations offer some financial relief to cancer patients who cannot afford insurance coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and other associated out-of-pocket costs if eligibility requirements are met.
• Government Programs –  Check into a government program to see if you may qualify. State government programs may be able to assist with medical and living expenses if eligibility requirements are met.
• Public and Nonprofit Hospitals–  Contact a social worker at a local health dept. for more information.
• Patient Assistant Programs–  (from pharmaceutical companies that have patient assistant programs for insurance reimbursement; referrals to co-pay relief programs; medication cost reduction offers) if eligibility requirements are met.
• Voluntary Organizations–  Voluntary organizations may offer assistance with childcare, transportation, or home maintenance needs.  Different organizations have different types and levels of assistance with eligibility/regulatory parameters.
• Personal Financial Planning– Getting advice from a financial planner may be a valuable appointment.  An accountant can help guide you on income taxes. Qualifications for tax credits can be evaluated to reduce your taxes, especially if you have significant out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as insurance deductibles. There are free and low-cost financial planning seminars as well, usually sponsored by investment management companies or even AARP.
• Health Insurance–  Your own health insurance benefit entitlements need to be carefully reviewed to best understand your policy’s coverage. Your insurance company case manager can offer more personalized assistance with answering questions.
• Your Community— Local organizations or advocacy organizations can provide assistance.
• Patient Guide— Read Cancer.net’s new patient guide to financial help: “Managing the Cost of Cancer Care,” published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
• Paying for Cancer Treatments – Personal Loans, HSAs, and More— The Simple Dollar’s, “Guide to Paying for Cancer Treatments”.  Receiving a cancer diagnosis can take a toll on a person’s life not only emotionally and physically but also financially. We created a resource that outlines how to afford some of the most common cancer treatments. Our guide discusses payment options, important questions to ask and recommendations from experienced medical professionals.

Paying for Cancer Treatments – Personal Loans, HSAs, and More

CFAC Coalition Organizations that help patients:

1. American Cancer Society
2. CancerCare – cancercare.org/financial
3. CancerCareCo-Payment Assistance Foundation
4. HealthWell Foundation
5. Patient Access Network Foundation
6. Patient Services Incorporated
7. National Organization for Rare Disease
8. Sarcoma Alliance – for second opinion appts – stipends for travel and medical expenses
9. GO TO: http://www.cancerfac.org/ for more information.

• Dream Foundation –  Grants final dreams from the heart to adults with life-threatening illnesses. May include vacation with a couple of family members, help with a utility bill, an appliance, or gift for ill adult’s child.