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:
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.
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
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
1–800–934–2873
www.braintumor.org
National Marrow Donor Program
1–88–999–6743
www.marrow.org
Patient Adv Foundation’s Colorectal Care
1–866–657–8634
www.colorectalcareline.org
Sarcoma Alliance
1–415–381–7236
www.sarcomaalliance.org
General Organizations
1–800–ACS–2345
www.cancer.org
United Way
Check phonebook for local office
www.liveunited.org
Check phonebook under “social service agencies.”
Religious Organizations
These include Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Family Services, and others. Check phonebook for listings.
Nonprofit Programs For Co-Pay Relief
A number of nonprofit organizations provide help for expenses such as drug copayments, 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.patientaccessnetwork.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
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
1–888–4–PPA–NOW (1–888–477–2669)
www.pparx.org
