Financial Resources

There are also many federal and state programs that are worth discussing with your oncology social worker, including the following from CancerCare:

Income Replacement Programs

  • Social Security pays monthly benefits for insured workers and their dependents.  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ or 1 (800) SSA-1213
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available monthly to people 65 and older, or at any age if blind or disabled. It is not based on work history, but on current income and asset status. Call 1-800-SSA-1213 for more information. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/ or 1 (800) SSA-1213
  • Veterans Benefits offer pensions, health care provided through VA facilities, home loans, disability compensation, life insurance, burial, and more. Apply through the local Department of Veterans’ Affairs. http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/
  • State disability programs can help replace some income while waiting for federal programs that generally require several months prior to approval
  • The local Department of Social Service also may manage federal block grants to provide assistance for low-income applicants

Medical Assistance Programs

  • Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors or those who have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for a full two years, regardless of age. http://www.medicare.gov/
  • Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program people meeting income and asset guidelines. http://www.medicare.gov/
  • COBRA is a federal law enabling individuals who lose health insurance coverage to buy group insurance for limited periods. This helps when there is a waiting period to get through before Medicare or Medicaid start. To apply, contact your employer or group health insurance plan
  • Hill-Burton provides hospitals with funding to help patients obtain treatments they cannot afford. http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm
  • Some pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance for thecost of drugs they manufacture. The PhRMA Partnership for Prescription Assistance program can help qualify patients without prescription drug coverage to get the medicines they need http://www.pparx.org/
  • Senior Prescription plans are offered by some states, providing affordable access to medications

In-Kind Help for Living Expenses

  • It is a good idea to apply for food stamps even if you’re not sure you qualify. http://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP) help pay for fuel and utility expenses
  • There are state programs to help subsidize housing costs, reduce property tax costs, exempt people from rent increases, and make available emergency cash. Ask your local Social Service Department or hospital social worker about your state’s programs

*Adapted from CancerCare.

 
 

 

 

 

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