Get CancerCare Financial Assistance Application – CancerCare is a popular nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive support services to those who are affected by cancer. It offers several financial assistance programs to alleviate the financial burden related to cancer treatment. If you are a cancer patient or know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and needs financial assistance you can turn to this organization for assistance. In this comprehensive blog we will help you explore the different CancerCare financial assistance programs in depth and will cover the eligibility criteria, the documentation requirements, the application process and other pertaining details.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaway
- CancerCare offers a variety of services including financial assistance, emotional support, and educational resources for cancer patients and their families.
- Programs cover costs like transportation, medication, and utilities, directly alleviating financial stress associated with treatment.
- Applicants must demonstrate a confirmed cancer diagnosis, financial need, and active treatment status to qualify for assistance.
- Prospective recipients must complete an application and provide necessary documentation to verify their eligibility and financial needs.
- Beyond financial aid, CancerCare provides specialized programs for pets, children, and specific cancer types, addressing unique challenges faced during cancer treatment.
What Is CancerCare?
CancerCare is one of the leading national organizations established in 1944 that offers free, professional supportive services to help people manage their practical, emotional or financial challenges of serious illnesses like cancer. The organization provides comprehensive services that include support groups and counseling over the phone, in-person, educational workshops, financial and co-payment assistance.
The organization offers a few cancer financial assistance programs and supportive services. It is the world’s leading cancer experts and oncology social workers. CancerCare aims to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by cancer by providing them practical and emotional support during their difficult journey. In the fiscal year ending 30 June 2023, the organization provided the following services:
- 181,780 CancerCare services to those who are victims of dreadful diseases like cancer and served clients with 104 different types of cancer diseases to the US States and three US territories.
- 52,346 hours of emotional and practical support given by CancerCare staff through their Hopline, support groups, individual counseling, community programs and many more.
- 46,436 calls to helplines by the oncology social workers of the organization.
- Financial and co-payment assistance worth $81 million to 28,126 people for costs that include practical needs, transportation and to pay for cancer medicines.
- Distributed 966,203 print and digital publications for those living with cancer, loved ones, healthcare professionals and caregivers with 300 titles in their library.
- Helped 1336 clients through Pet Assistance and Wellness Programs to keep their pets in their home.
- The Cancer Circle served nearly 27322 active users in 2155 active caregiver communities
- Became a leading expert in oncology and led 68 CancerCare connect education workshops from 133 faculty members and 76 partners
- Welcomed 2 million visits to their website and CancerCare users complete around 61266 searches in their online helping hand to find financial and practical assistance.
What Does The Financial Assistance Program Of CancerCare Include?
The financial assistance program funded by CancerCare is specifically designed to enable cancer patients to cope with the economic challenges that often accompany their diagnosis and treatment.
This financial assistance is geared towards specific expenses that are associated with CancerCare and help to reduce the financial burden on both patients and their families. CancerCare offers financial assistance for different cancer-related expenses that may include the following but are not limited to.
Transportation Costs
CancerCare offers reimbursement for travel expenses to and from hospital treatment centers. This will include free gas cards for cancer patients, parking fees, tolls and public transportation costs.
For instance, the organization provides transportation, childcare and home care in the following ways:
- Men, women and children with all cancer diagnoses in New York City
- Men with diagnosis in Connecticut and New Jersey
- Expanded services in the Tri-State Area
This also includes transportation, air care and lodging for men and women who are suffering from mesothelioma.
The organization provides transportation, gas, public transportation or car services to the following:
- Men and women with brain cancer
- Men and women with bladder cancer
- Men and women with multiple myeloma.
Pet Assistance And Wellness (PAW Program)
CancerCare Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW Program) help pet owners find free or low-cost pet care services. The program provides resources that help to take good care of your pet if you belong to the low-income category.
The financial assistance received from the organization will help to offset the expenses associated with pets such as pet food, pet walking or sitting, pet caregiving services, pet boarding fees, veterinarian expenses including appointment fees and vaccination, free tick and heartworm prevention medications, lab fees etc.
Pain Medications and Co-Payment Assistance
CancerCare helps people with treatment-related costs like home care, transportation and childcare. You can learn about the available assistance programs for cancer patients and the eligibility guidelines from their official website.
If you are dealing with cancer then you can overcome financial access as well as treatment barriers by helping with payments for your prescribed treatment. The official website of CancerCare also comprises additional national and local resources to help with practical and financial needs in their searchable database.
Medical Supplies and Prosthesis
CancerCare offers funding towards vital medical supplies as well as prosthetic devices that may not be covered by insurance policies. In this way, the organization reduces the financial barrier of cancer-affected individuals.
Help With Utility Bill
CancerCare provides help with utility bills such as heating or electricity costs when the financial strain of cancer diagnosis and treatment makes it difficult for the patients to cover their basic living expenses. You can also get rental assistance for cancer patients.
Paying Insurance Premiums
The organization offers assistance to cover the health insurance premium during cancer treatments especially if the patient is suffering financial problems or any other hardship.
What Are The Specialized Programs Provided By CancerCare?
CancerCare provides numerous assistance programs to support specific populations and the challenges that come during their cancer journey. The organization considers special needs on a case-by-case basis depending on the availability of funding and individual circumstances. Following are the specialized programs funded by CancerCare:
Pet Assistance And Wellness Program (PAW)
Caring for a pet when you are dealing with cancer can be challenging. The Pet Assistance and Wellness Program by the organization helps people who are undergoing cancer treatment and dealing with the challenges of keeping their dog or cat at home.
CancerCare For Kids
CancerCare offers free professional support services for parents of children and adolescents who are affected by cancer and helps children understand their disease and locate additional resources for support.
Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Program
CancerCare offers Breast and Gynecology Cancer Programs through which specialized resources and services are provided to individuals who are coping with gynecology or breast cancer. Professional oncology social workers offer emotional and practical support.
Disparities Program
The Disparities Program offers resources and information to individuals of color, marginalized people and LGBTQ+ who have faced barriers to healthcare access including information, support and treatment.
Internship Program
CancerCare offers field placement opportunities for advanced clinical students who are interested in the field of oncology social work.
Magnolia Meals At Home
Magnolia Meals At Home is a meal delivery initiative designed by CancerCare that helps individuals with cancer by providing healthy and nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. This program is currently available in the following areas: Woodcliff Lake NJ, Andover Massachusetts, Raleigh Durham NC and New Haven CT including areas in New Hampshire, New York and Boston MA.
Men’s Cancers Program
CancerCare offers specialized resources and services to assist male-identifying individuals who have been affected by cancer. The professional oncology social workers of the organization offer emotional and practical support to those who are living with cancer.
MaidPro
A professional home cleaning company MaidPro has partnered with CancerCare to offer free housekeeping services for individuals living with cancer in particular New Jersey towns.
Older Adult Program
CancerCare offers resources for information and support to help senior citizens center loved ones better cope with cancer.
Young Adult Program
CancerCare helps people who are in age within 18 to 40 years facing unique challenges while coping with cancer. The organization offers specialized services for young adults living with cancer.
Wig and Breast Prosthesis Clinics
Wig and Breast Prosthesis Clinics aims to encourage and empower women who are diagnosed with cancer to look as well as feel their best during the treatment process and beyond and cope with confidence and dignity. Free Wig and Breast prosthetic clinics for CancerCare are provided in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut locations.
Time To Screen
CancerCare with a community oncology alliance encourages people to take better control of their health and get recommended cancer screening.
Resource Navigation
CancerCare offers free telephone resource navigation for helping individuals with cancer, post-treatment survivors and caregivers who have been affected by cancer.
Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp
Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp is a free retreat that provides therapeutic activities for individuals and families with children coping with the loss of a loved one due to cancer.
Caregiver Program
Caregivers have to put their own feelings and needs aside while taking care of their loved ones. It is important to take good care of yourself while being a good caregiver. For this program, you can visit the official CancerCare website.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For Financial Assistance From CancerCare?
To be eligible for financial assistance programs individuals must fulfill certain eligibility criteria set by CancerCare. The type of criteria may vary depending on the particular financial assistance program and the availability of funding however the common factors include the following
- Cancer Diagnosis: Applicants should have a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and be in active treatment for cancer to qualify for financial assistance from CancerCare. The cancer diagnosis should be confirmed by an oncology healthcare provider.
- Residency: Applicants should be citizens of the United States or meet the particular residency requirements depending on the financial assistance program they are considering.
- Strong Financial Need. Applicants are required to demonstrate a strong financial need or hardship in the form of high medical expenses, limited income, loss of jobs or insufficient insurance coverage to cover the bills.
- Treatment Plan. Patients who are seeking financial assistance from cancer care must be actively undergoing cancer treatment or prepared to start the treatment as soon as possible.
- Income criteria: Applicants should meet the eligibility guidelines based on the federal poverty limits and low-income households.
- Insurance Coverage: Even though it is not a disqualifying factor, cancer care often considers the extent of insurance coverage as well as the patients ‘ pocket expenses before providing them financial assistance.
- Proof Of Documents: Applicants are required to provide supporting documents such as proof of medical bills, cancer diagnosis, income documents, insurance statements and details of every expense for which they are seeking assistance from the organization.
Every applicant needs to review the eligibility criteria for the particular financial assistance program given by CancerCare to make sure they fulfill the requirements before submitting the application.
What Are The Steps To Apply For CancerCare Assistance?
The application process for CancerCare financial assistance programs is pretty straightforward. You need to follow the below-mentioned steps carefully to make sure you receive the right support in times of your needs.
Fill Out The Application Form
The first and foremost step is to fill out an online application form on the official website of CancerCare. The type of application may depend on the type of assistance you are seeking. The forms are easily available for download from the official website of CancerCare or can be requested by contacting the CancerCare helpline.
Submit Relevant Documents
Along with the application form applicants are required to submit relevant documents to demonstrate their eligibility and request for financial support. This includes the following:
- Recent tax returns or proof of income like pay stubs, bank statements, Social Security benefits, tax returns etc.
- Medical bills and statements that contain details of cancer treatment expenses
- Insurance coverage information such as an explanation of benefits and policy details
- Other pertaining details as specified in the application form
- Identity documents like state government ID, passport, driver’s license etc.
- Proof of residency in the form of a utility bill, lease or mortgage agreement to provide proof of your current address.
Wait For Approval
Once you’ve completed the application and submitted relevant documents the organization will review the application and document process to assist you eligibility for financial assistance.
The preview process may take some time depending on the volume of applications received by CancerCare as well as the complexity of individual cases.
On approval, CancerCare will distribute the financial support directly to the eligible applicant or to the service provider for instance transportation company or utility company as specified in the application.
Contact CancerCare For Assistance
Contact 800813 Hope 4673 and speak to a CancerCare social worker to complete a brief interview. They can be reached from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET Monday through Thursday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET on Friday.
Things To Consider
In case you’re eligible to apply for financial assistance the organization will:
- Mail or e-mail an individualized power-coded application to you.
- Request documentation to verify your income. The acceptable proof of income includes the following:
- First two pages of signed income tax return
- If you don’t file a tax return you can submit a copy of your most recent pay stub, SSI, SSDI, public assistance benefit notification or unemployment check
- If you don’t have any income you need to provide a letter of support from a friend or any family member.
- You must submit a completed application. It is important to print clearly as eligible applications can’t be processed so fill in each application in the application form. You can use none, no or zero as appropriate but don’t leave any blank responses on the application. You need to ensure you use the right CancerCare Fax number or email listed on the application.
Additional Considerations
- Limited Funding: The financial assistance program of CancerCare operates with limited funds which means not all applicants are allowed to receive the assistance that they need. The priority is given to cancer patients with the greatest financial need or those facing significant financial challenges in affording or accessing the right treatment.
- Deadline For Submission Timelines: The applicants must know the application deadlines for submission timelines as instructed by CancerCare. Missing any deadline will delay the application and review process.
- Alternate Resources: If you’re unable to qualify for assistance from CancerCare you can qualify for financial assistance from other nonprofit organizations that help cancer patients. These sources offer additional support to cancer-affected families.
What Are The Other Ways To Get Cancer Treatment Financial Assistance?
Here are the additional ways in which you can find financial assistance programs:
- Research Online: You can use the internet to research financial assistance programs for individuals living with cancer. A few websites include the ACS website, Cancercare.org and Needymeds.org are valuable resources to find assistance programs that can be of great help while you’re navigating financial hardship.
- Contact Healthcare Professionals: You can begin by speaking with your healthcare professional or any other social worker. They will provide information on how to avail financial assistance programs and understand the eligibility criteria and application process.
- Contact Local nonprofits or Support Organizations: You can contact local support organizations from nonprofit groups as well as community health centers including Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, The United Methodist Church etc. They have information about how to find local financial assistance programs and resources.
- Apply For Government Assistance Programs: There are government assistance programs that can help you offset cancer-related expenses such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance Program, Medicaid, and Veterans Administration Benefits to name a few.
- Apply For Prescription Assistance Programs: Prescription assistance programs help people dealing with cancer to get free or low-cost drugs and reduce their financial burden. These include Patient Access Network Foundation, GoodRx, and NeedyMeds to name a few.
- Attend Support Groups: You can consider joining the Cancer Support group where you can get information about financial assistance programs and helpful resources that they have used during their cancer journey. You can contact your insurance provider or consult financial counselors to apply for financial assistance.
Conclusion
CancerCare financial assistance initiatives play a vital role in supporting cancer patients and their families during difficult times. By reducing the financial burden related to cancer diagnosis and treatment CancerCare aims to make sure the science we can focus on their healing, health and well-being without taking the additional financial stress. By learning the aforementioned eligibility criteria, the different types of assistance available, the documentation requirements and the application process you can qualify for financial assistance funded by CancerCare. For more details about the financial assistance programs funded by CancerCare, you can visit the official website of the organization or contact their helpline number directly. Nevertheless, by following these guidelines, you can access the right type of support to navigate your cancer journey effectively.