Among the many concerns you may have if you, a friend, or family member is diagnosed with cancer is the cost of medical treatment. In addition, many people soon realize there are non-medical expenses associated with cancer, such as meals ordered out because of fatigue, lost income from not working, and childcare or eldercare expenses. This article describes some of the many resources available to help manage the cost of living with cancer.

Because bills and debt can add up quickly, people may want to seek financial help soon after being diagnosed with cancer. Oncology social workers are trained to help people living with cancer manage financial concerns and can provide access to community resources. Most hospitals and clinics have social workers (or case managers) on site. The doctor or oncology nurse may also be able to provide a referral. Although coping with daily financial responsibilities can sometimes seem overwhelming, it is important not to let bills pile up and go unpaid. Often, if you show concern and interest in being responsible for debt, you may be able to arrange lower monthly payments.

Finding financial support resources

In addition to information from the social workers and other health care providers, Cancer.Net has compiled the following lists of resources to begin finding financial support.

Local service organizations

Local service or voluntary organizations such as Catholic Charities, Jewish Social Services, the Lions Club, Lutheran Social Services, the Salvation Army, and others may offer financial assistance. Some of these organizations offer grants to help cover the cost of treatment and other expenses, while others provide assistance with specific services or products such as travel or medications. A social worker or the local telephone directory should have a list of organizations. Many hospitals and clinics also maintain a list of service organizations in the community.

The American Cancer Society (800-227-2345) and the local United Way office can also direct people to services in their community.

General assistance programs providing food, housing, and other services may also be available from the county or city Department of Social Services (check the local telephone directory for contact information).

For direct financial assistance, people can contact their city's Department of Social Services.

Community-based groups, such as local churches, synagogues, mosques, and lodges may also provide assistance for people with cancer, sometimes even if the person is not a member of that particular organization or religion. Some hospitals also have private funds available for patients in need.

Often, cancer advocacy and patient information groups have resources for patients. See Cancer.Net’s Patient Information Resources listing to connect to cancer organizations nationwide.

National service organizations

The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a group of national organizations that provide financial help to patients. CFAC educates patients and providers about existing resources through a searchable database of financial resources.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's patient financial aid program (800-955-4572) provides limited financial assistance to patients with significant need to help defray treatment-related expenses.

CancerCare's financial assistance programs (800-813-4673) provide limited grants for people with certain types of cancer.

The National Foundation for Transplants (800-489-3863) provides fundraising assistance for patients needing transplants, including bone marrow and stem cell transplants.

Travel and housing assistance

Air Care Alliance (888-260-9707) offers a central listing of free transportation services provided by volunteer pilots and charitable aviation groups.

Air Charity Network (877-621-7177) coordinates free air transportation for people in need.

Angel Flight Samaritans (800-296-1217) provides long-distance travel for people with cancer and their families in need of travel.

The Corporate Angel Network (866-328-1313) arranges free air transportation for people with cancer traveling to treatment using empty seats on corporate jets.

The National Patient Travel Helpline (800-296-1217) provides information about charitable, long-distance medical air transportation and provides referrals to appropriate sources.

The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation maintains a list of additional organizations offering assistance for treatment-related travel.

The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses (800-542-9730) is an association of more than 150 nonprofit organizations that provide lodging and support services to families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment away from home.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (630-623-7048) offer free or reduced-cost lodging for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Medication and treatment cost assistance

The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a group of national organizations that provide financial help to patients. CFAC educates patients and providers about existing resources through a searchable database of financial resources.

Chronic Disease Fund (877-968-7233) helps underinsured patients with a chronic disease obtain medication.

NeedyMeds.com is an information source on companies that offer patient assistance programs. These programs help those who cannot afford medications to obtain them at no or low cost through the manufacturer.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (888-477-2669) helps qualifying patients who lack prescription drug coverage obtain the medications they need.

The Patient Access Network Foundation (866-316-7263) assists patients with out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment.

Patient Services, Inc. (800-366-7441) provides assistance with insurance premiums and co-payments for people with chronic diseases.

RxHope.com (732-507-7400) helps patients obtain free or low-cost prescription medications.

General financial information

The Patient Advocate Foundation (800-532-5274) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals for people with cancer who need assistance managing insurance, financial, debt crisis, and job discrimination issues.

CancerCare's Tips for Finding Financial Assistance section and Financial Help for People with Cancer fact sheet provide information on financial resources.

Financial Health Matters, a booklet available from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, offers information and tips on money management, health insurance, and financial resources.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation's website LIVESTRONG offers a section for survivors entitled Planning Your Financial Future.

The Support and Resources page on the National Cancer Institute website provides links to information about cancer support organizations, finances, insurance, and hospice and home care.

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship has online resource guides to organizations offering financial assistance.

More Information

Managing the Cost of Cancer Care

Patient Information Resources

Health Insurance

How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help