Cancer Support & Coping Where to Find Financial Assistance If You Have Cancer By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC is a board-certified registered nurse who owns Brandi Jones LLC, where she writes health and wellness blogs, articles, and education. She lives with her husband and springer spaniel and enjoys camping and tapping into her creativity in her downtime. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 26, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Lisa Sullivan, MS Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS Lisa Sullivan, MS, is a nutritionist and health and wellness educator with nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Learn about our editorial process Print Financial burdens are a common source of stress for those with cancer. It's especially tough for those with little or no insurance. But it can put strain on any cancer patient, their families, or caregivers. Fortunately, there are several financial assistance programs that help with cancer-related costs. They include government-subsidized programs, community-based services, and organizations founded by families of cancer patients or by patients for patients. This article reviews many organizations that help with cancer-related financial assistance. It includes information about their programs, who is eligible for services, and the types of assistance they offer. PeopleImages.com / Getty Images Non-Governmental Service Organizations The following non-governmental organizations are often good places to start in your search for financial assistance, most of which offer English/Spanish publications and a bilingual helpline. CancerCare CancerCare is a national, non-profit agency that offers free support, information, and financial assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. You can browse their website or call and speak to an oncology social worker to help you find resources. CancerCare's reach also extends to health professionals, providing the educational resources they need. Financial resources include help with: TransportationLodgingHome careChild care For those with cats or dogs, PAWProgram is CancerCare's pet assistance and wellness program. They offer financial assistance for pet food, pet sitting, boarding fees, veterinarian expenses, medications, and more. Cancer Type: AllWho It's For: Patients, caregivers, loved ones, survivors, and healthcare professionals AVONCares Assitance for Women Facing Cancer AVONCares Assistance for Women Facing Cancer is a program managed by CancerCare that provides financial assistance to low-income, underinsured, and underserved women throughout the United States. Support services include transportation, child care, and home care to improve the lives of those undergoing treatment for breast cancer or cervical cancer. Cancer Type: Breast or cervical cancerWho It's For: Underserved women Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a non-profit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families can apply for financial assistance. CCCF has multiple foundations in different states, look for one close to you or your treatment center. Cancer Type: Childhood cancer or blood disorderWho It's For: Children and families Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to people who have leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, or multiple myeloma. Their programs offer a wide variety of financial support including assistance with: Co-paysTravelMortgageUtilitiesVehicle expensesAcute (sudden) dental work related to treatment Cancer Type: Blood Cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myelomaWho It's For: Blood cancer patients Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to people with cancer regarding insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis. The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program is a subsidiary of the PAF and provides financial assistance to patients who meet eligibility criteria. Cancer Type: AllWho It's For: Patients with a chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating disease Cancer for College Cancer for College was founded in 1993 by a two-time cancer survivor. It provides educational scholarships to cancer survivors. There is a fast and easy scholarship application located on their website. Cancer Type: AllWho It's For: Cancer survivors Family Reach Family Reach has been helping families of those with cancer overcome financial barriers for 25 years. They help cancer patients and their families with: Essential billsHousing paymentsGroceriesMany costs of cancer Cancer Type: AllWho It's For: Cancer patients, families, and caregivers National Foundation for Transplants National Foundation for Transplants helps patients who need an organ transplant, This organization provides fundraising tools and guidance to help transplant patients raise funds. This support can help cover their out-of-pocket transplant-related expenses. Cancer Type: Those that require organ transplantsWho It's For: Organ transplant patients and families The Pink Fund The Pink Fund assists with cost-of-living expenses for breast cancer patients in active treatment. Their goal is to help breast cancer patients focus on healing, raising their families, and returning to the workplace. Cancer Type: Breast cancerWho It's For: Breast cancer patients in active treatment Pinky Swear Foundation The Pinky Swear Foundation was established by Steve and Becky Chepokas in memory of their son, Mitch. Mitch was a generous child who lost his battle with cancer. He made his parents pinky swear that they would continue to financially help kids with cancer. Pinky Swear offers financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families. They do not limit requests from families or discriminate based on socioeconomic status. Cancer Type: AllWho It's For: Chldren with cancer Accessia Health (Formerly Patient Services, Inc. (PSI)) Accessia Health (Formerly Patient Services, Inc. (PSI)) was founded by patients to help other patients navigate the complexities of healthcare. They offer education, financial assistance, specialized legal services, case management, and some counseling services. Their programs assist with copays, prescriptions, health insurance premiums, infusion and nursing services, travel, and more. Cancer Type: Any rare or chronic diseaseWho It's For: Patients with rare or chronic disease Federal and State Health Agencies In addition to non-profit programs, there are governmental channels that can provide direct assistance to people with cancer: Medicaid Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses. At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive federal income assistance such as Social Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies/equipment. Coverage information is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office. Medicare Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans 65 years or older, as well as disabled people under 65 and individuals with permanent liver failure. Medicare may offer reimbursement for some home care services or coverage of hospice services for those accepted into a Medicare-certified program. Social Security Administration Social Security Administration is the government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled people, while SSI supplements payments for those who meet income eligibility requirements. Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured children in low-income families. Veteran Administration (VA) Veteran Administration (VA) offers medical benefits, including cancer treatment at a VA Medical Cancer to eligible veterans and their dependents. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided, while treatment for all other conditions may be available based on the veteran's financial need. Hill-Burton Hill-Burton is a program that requires healthcare facilities that receive construction funds from the federal government to provide some services to low-income individuals who cannot afford to pay for their care. Other Means of Financial Assistance Community Service Organizations Community service organizations such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer financial help. Community Fundraising and Crowdfunding Community fundraising and crowdfunding are other mechanisms well worth considering. Many people find that friends, family, and social networks are more than eager to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Online fundraising websites like GoFundMe are frequently used for these kinds of campaigns, allowing families to cull wider support using social media channels. Income Tax Deductions Income tax deductions allow you to deduct many of your medical expenses from your annual income before taxes. Examples of tax-deductible expenses might include: Mileage for trips to and from medical appointmentsOut-of-pocket costs for treatmentPrescription drugs/equipment costsCost of meals during lengthy medical stays Your local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office can help you determine which costs are deductible. Summary Economic burdens cause extra stress for patients and families fighting cancer. Financial assistance programs can help with cancer-related costs, including copays, utilities, transportation, etc. There are private organizations, government-subsidized programs, and community-based services to help offset some of the costs associated with fighting cancer. Some assist with all types of cancer or chronic illnesses while others help with specific cancers or geographic regions. Fundraising and crowdfunding are other options worth considering. Family, friends, and social networks are often eager to help financially when they know there is a need. A Word From Verywell Having financial burdens when coping with cancer can be scary and frustrating. Fortunately, multiple programs and organizations can help navigate the healthcare system as well as provide financial assistance. Don’t hesitate to discuss financial concerns with your healthcare providers. They often refer cancer patients to cancer foundations, social workers, or care coordinators to link them to the financial assistance they need. Originally written by Lisa Fayed Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit