Cancer and Health Care Assistance Programs

Where can I find out more about health care assistance programs?
For more information about health care assistance programs, including suggestions for taking action and a list of resources, visit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Why is knowing about health care assistance programs important to people affected by cancer?
The ability to get health care is very important for cancer survivors. Without enough insurance coverage, you may be responsible for some or all of the costs associated with medical procedures, visits with your health care team and other services needed for your well-being. Ongoing medical care may be needed for your health and recovery. Yet, many people cannot afford to pay for these important health care services.

What do I need to know about health care assistance programs?
Health care assistance programs help people who have no health insurance, have only limited coverage or cannot afford to pay for the medical services they need. These programs may also be known as patient assistance, medical needs, reimbursement or compassionate care programs. Some of these assistance programs provide both medical services and financial help. Assistance might include finding a health care program you can work with, supporting your application for benefits or providing discounts on health care services. Providers and resources for health care assistance include nonprofit organizations as well as local, state and federal government programs.

Many nonprofit organizations will help you find health care assistance programs and apply for benefits at no charge. There is usually no need to pay for services that provide this type of referral or information.

Other good sources of information about health care assistance programs may come from:
• family members and friends
• hospital social workers, case managers, or other medical team members
• representatives from cancer organizations

What steps should I take to address health care assistance programs?
Every health care assistance program has its own eligibility standards. When you contact a program, ask what the program requires to be eligible to obtain services. Some programs may have requirements concerning income, asset limits, health insurance coverage and immigration status. Other programs may only require a referral from your doctor.

When you apply for a health care assistance program, let your doctor's office know what is required from them in order for you to qualify for benefits. For example, the assistance program may require verification of your health condition or current medical need from the doctor's office.

After your doctor agrees to provide medical information to the assistance program, you may need to follow up with your doctor's office to make certain that this happens within the time frame the benefit program requires for eligibility.

If there is a delay in obtaining the required paperwork from your doctor's office, try bringing the program forms to a meeting with the doctor. If appropriate, fill in the general information portions of the form, such as your name and address, to make things easier for your doctor. If you have concerns about getting the required medical information submitted to the benefit program on time, ask one of your health care team members, such as a nurse or social worker, to help with this process.

When you qualify for benefits through a health care assistance program, find out when the services will start or if there is a waiting period. You may need to identify other ways to temporarily meet your medical needs if there will be a delay before benefits begin.