Medications for cancer patients are expensive on their own and require a lengthy period of treatment. It is important for cancer patients to stay on their medication for the allotted time. Many cancer patients also need to be on additional medication to help fight infection since the body's immune system may be suppressed. As you battle with medical bills for yourself or a loved one, keep in mind that there are methods to get free or low-cost medications as a cancer patient. You should not have to go without medication because you can't afford it.
Cost
According to USA Today in 2006, new cancer medications can cost up to $10,000 a month. The rising cancer treatment costs can be difficult even for those who have medical insurance. Although many of these new medications are helpful in targeting specific types of tumors, such as colorectal cancer, some patients often forego treatment due to the cost and the hardship it might place on loved ones.
Pharmaceutical Company Assistance
The majority of pharmaceutical companies offer assistance for prescription drugs and will provide a discount or free medication. Manufacturers normally require that you send in an application with financial information, as well as a letter from your physician or specialist that states the need for the medication. Some may also require that you submit medical records for review to determine medical necessity.
Foundations
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps people who are not able to pay for their medication. There are over 5,000 medications that are available at no or low cost. The organization determines what you are eligible for and reviews your specific needs before you apply for assistance.
The American Cancer Society will help reimburse expenses for cancer treatment; however, different chapters may not do this. Rather than contacting the main chapter, it is important to contact your local chapter to see what assistance is available.
The Alaska Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance Program is for Alaska residents only and will help those who are uninsured or underinsured get not only medical care, but also prescriptions that they need to improve their health.
The Boone County Cancer Society will help with the cost of prescriptions, medical expenses, wigs and other costs related to cancer care. The maximum amount of assistance that can be provided per person is $1,000.
The Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans provides assistance for prescription medications for people who cannot afford medical insurance and have not qualified for government insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Cancer Services provides some assistance to those in North Carolina, depending on the patient's geographic location. Medications may be covered and there is no requirement regarding the stage of cancer.
CancerCare Assist is a national organization that assists in paying for treatment expenses for those with cancer.
Chain Fund is a Connecticut-based organization helping residents with both medical and personal expenses during cancer treatment.
River Bend Cancer Services helps provide assistance for those of St. Joseph County, Indiana for prescriptions, medical supplies and other needs. Help is restricted to those in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Hospital Programs
Many hospitals have a social worker who can help put you in touch with some resources, such as grants that might be able to help with health care expenses like medication and even treatment costs. Some hospitals, such as those that participate in the Hill-Burton federal funding program, are required to provide low or no-cost treatment to patients who cannot afford to pay.
Searching for Assistance
There are a variety of programs available throughout the United States for those who are battling cancer. If you want to subscribe to a database that provides regular updates for organizations supporting cancer medication or treatment, the Foundation Center has an individual database that might be of assistance. Be sure to check the geographic location that is supported before seeking assistance.
Tags: cancer treatment, will help, assistance prescription, assistance those, cancer patients, Cancer Services, Cancer Society
