Treatment for cancer poses a heavy burden on patients and their families. Not only is the treatment itself emotionally and physically draining; it can drain the family finances as well. A number of programs, both government run and private, provide financial assistance.
Hill-Burton program
The federal government provides funds for the Hill-Burton program. The program funds construction and enhancement of modern facilities. The law requires the hospital receiving the government money to offer a certain amount of free cancer treatment and services to local people who can't afford treatment. For more information, visit the Hill-Burton site at http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm, or you can call (800) 638-0742 (National Cancer Institute, 2009).
Medicaid
Medicaid offers medical coverage to those who cannot afford it. The program is equally funded by the state and the federal government, although the state makes up the majority of the rules for this type of assistance. Medicaid coverage includes cancer treatments and services, including surgeries, chemotherapy, doctor and nursing care. Some "elective" treatments, such as anti-nausea drugs designed to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, may not be covered. To check your eligibility for coverage, visit the site http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/contacts or call your local welfare office (National Cancer Institute, 2009).
Medicare
Medicare is also funded both through the state and the federal government but covers those 65 years of age and older. There are two parts of Medicare, Part A and Medicare Part B. The different types of Medicare coverage vary, but both cover lifesaving cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. However, only Part B covers necessary medical screenings, including cancer screenings such as mammograms or Pap smears. For more information on qualifications or to see if you qualify visit http://www.medicare.gov or call (800)-633-4227 (National Cancer Institute, 2009).
State Childrens Health Insurance Program
For children with cancer, the SCHIP, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program provides a low cost/low premium form of insurance coverage to those who qualify. The program covers children in their teens or younger and their family must meet minimum requirements. For additional information, visit the website http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.asp and choose your state to see if you qualify and to get in touch with the correct person. You can also call (877) 543-7669 (National Cancer Institute, 2009).
Cancer Care
CancerCare is a nonprofit organization that assists anyone with the treatment of their cancer. The organization offers support and information to families and patients, in addition to offering financial assistance. Their website states, "Our staff helps you manage financial concerns and provides referrals. Limited aid is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs like transportation and child care." Additionally, CancerCare also provides assistance to patients if they are unable to pay the co-pay required by Medicaid or other insurers for cancer treatments. For more information on this organization, you can visit their website at http://cancercare.org or call 1-800-813-4673 (National Cancer Institute, 2009).
Tags: Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute 2009, Institute 2009, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, cancer treatments, federal government
