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Heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families come with those who have cancer. Their health insurance plan generally pays a portion of medical expenses, but for those individuals who do not have health insurance or who need financial assistance to cover health care costs, it can be pretty scary.
Government-sponsored programs and services supported by nonprofit organizations are available. Discussing any concerns about health care costs with their doctor, medical social worker or the business office of their hospital or clinic is as very good idea and these people are there to help in any way that they can. .
I am going to give a list of some organizations, agencies and programs that can provide assistance for cancer patients and their families, but be aware that individual organizations need to be checked to find out what resources they are currently able to help with. I have tried to list organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff.
Hospitals receive construction and modernization funds from the Federal Government though the Hill-Burton Program. A reasonable volume of services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization and making their services available to all residents in the facility’s area is required by law to any hospital that receives Hill-Burton funds. By calling the toll-free number or visiting the Web site shown below information about Hill-Burton facilities can be found. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish.
Medicaid coverage for treatment to women who have been screened for and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions is covered by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act in most states through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) "Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000" Web page for more information about eligibility and contacts for this program which is located at http://www.cdc.gov/CANCER/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm on the Internet.
Free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones is offered by Cancer Care, a national nonprofit agency. Limited grants for certain treatment is offered as financial assistance. Oncology social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency’s Web site. Education, information, and assistance is also extended to professionals through CancerCare. Some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish. Information about financial assistance for all cancers is available at http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/cc_financial.php on the Internet.
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Telephone: |
1–800–813–4673 (1–800–813–HOPE) |
Susan G. Komen for the Cure and CancerCare have partnered to create a program called Linking A.R.M.S. This program provides limited financial assistance for oral and hormonal chemotherapy, anti-nausea and pain medication, lymphedema supplies, and durable medical equipment for women with breast cancer.
For more information about eligibility and contacts for this program go to http://www.cdc.gov/CANCER/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm on the Internet.
These are but a few ---- I will bring more as I research and find. |