What benefits are available for breast cancer patients?
The Pink Fund provides short-term financial aid for basic living expenses to eligible breast cancer patients. RXAssist provides information about free and low-cost medicine programs and other ways to manage medical costs.
What benefits are available to cancer patients?
Cancer patients are entitled to a variety of government benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid and Medicare. These benefits last long-term as long as you continue to meet the criteria required by the SSA.
Does breast cancer qualify as a disability?
Social Security disability benefits are an option for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and need help. Because of the prevalence of breast cancer in the US, the Social Security Administration (SSA) lists breast cancer as a disabling condition and a potentially qualifying disability.
What organizations support people with breast cancer?
Some can connect you with another man diagnosed with breast cancer for one-on-one telephone or online support.After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. ... American Cancer Society – Cancer Survivors Network. ... BreastCancer.org. ... Cancer Care. ... Imerman Angels. ... The Male Breast Cancer Coalition. ... Sharsheret.
What cancer qualifies for disability?
The types of cancer that qualifies for disability include: Esophageal cancer. Gallbladder cancer. Brain cancer.
Does cancer qualify for Social Security disability?
In general, any cancer that is Stage IV or terminal will automatically qualify a person to receive disability benefits. A very serious cancer diagnosis qualifies for the Compassionate Allowance program, which expedites the claim for disability benefits to start receiving money quickly.
How long do you have off work with breast cancer?
Most of the women with breast cancer took time off work (almost 6 months on average) after receiving the diagnosis.
Can I still work if I have breast cancer?
Some people continue to work, sometimes with reduced hours, and others give up work temporarily or permanently. Whether you feel able to work while going through breast cancer treatment will depend on: The type of breast cancer you have and whether it has spread. The treatment you're having and side effects.
Can you work during breast cancer treatment?
Some people are able to keep working while they're getting cancer treatment. Some people work their usual full-time schedules. Some work the same schedules under special conditions (accommodations), like being closer to the office bathroom so it's easier to deal with side effects.
What is the Pink Fund?
The Pink Fund provides financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress levels and allow breast cancer patients in active treatment to focus on healing while improving survivorship outcomes.
What does the American Cancer Society do for cancer patients?
We promote healthy lifestyles to help you prevent cancer. We research cancer and its causes to find more answers and better treatments. We fight for lifesaving policy changes. We provide everything from emotional support to the latest cancer information for those who have been touched by cancer.
What is a breast cancer advocate?
Breast cancer advocates who are trained, educated and represent a patient constituency must be meaningfully involved in all aspects of decision making that affect breast cancer research.
Can you get financial aid if you have cancer?
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.
Does cancer treatment count as a disability?
The Equality Act considers a diagnosis of cancer as a disability. You don't have to have symptoms or consider yourself disabled by your cancer to be covered.
Do cancer patients qualify for PIP?
The process of getting PIP is much quicker if you're terminally ill. You qualify for PIP if: your doctor or a medical professional thinks that you might have less than 6 months to live. you're older than 16 and have not reached State Pension age (66 years)
Does your mortgage get paid off if you have cancer?
If you took it out before you were diagnosed with having cancer then the payout you receive can be a large enough sum to cover a percentage of your mortgage or even pay it off in full. Check your policy and don't forget to put a claim in.
What is the most important thing about BCAF?
We know that recovery and regaining their lives is the most important thing. BCAF can and will provide these women and their families a chance to live their lives to the fullest. We encourage you to learn more about breast cancer and see how it effects the lives of millions of women.
What is the BCAF?
Addressing these needs is why the Breast Cancer Assistance Fund (BCAF) was created.
What is Hope Kit?
HOPE Kit Send a care package to a patient undergoing breast cancer treatment. Metastatic Retreats Join our weekend retreats for patients living with late stage breast cancer. Support Group Find a safe space to share your experience as a patient or survivor.
What is breast health education?
Breast Health Education Take control and learn about your breast health. Navigating Breast Cancer in the Workplace Help your employees learn about breast cancer awareness. Breast Cancer Research Learn about our research history and what we fund.
What is the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program?
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Provides access to clinical breast exams and mammograms (plus diagnostic testing if results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed) to women ages 40-64 who don’t have health insurance or are under-insured.
How to contact Komen Breast Care?
To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).
How often do you need a mammogram?
Since September 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required all new health insurance plans to cover screening mammograms every 1-2 years for women ages 40 and older , with no out-of pocket costs ( co-payments or co-insurance ).
What are some ways to help people with cancer?
Local transportation. The social work and care coordination departments at your hospital may have information on local transportation programs. Some cancer organizations also have programs that can help. City, county and state agencies can arrange for low-cost or free local transportation for people with disabilities.
What can a financial counselor do for you?
Financial counselors can also help you work out a payment plan. If you’re not able to pay, some places may be willing to reduce or waive some costs if you ask.
Can breast cancer be financially burdened?
Financial Assistance. Costs related to breast cancer care can quickly become a financial burden. You may get many bills for just one procedure. For example, you may get a bill from each department in the hospital involved with your surgery such as the lab (pathology), surgery and others. Even if your co-payment for a single bill is low, ...
Is mammogram free?
In many parts of the U.S., low-cost or free mammograms are also offered through national programs and community organizations .
What is breast cancer solutions?
The mission of Breast Cancer Solutions is to provide breast cancer patients with direct assistance, community referrals and compassionate support. Financial assistance is available to eligible individuals living in Orange, San Bernardino or Riverside County. https://breastcancersolutions.org/bcs
What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
Seeks to promote awareness and education for the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of triple negative breast cancer and to provide support, both emotional and financial, to affected individuals and their families. They offer assistance with: meal delivery, emergency funds for rent, groceries, and utilities, transportation related to treatment, housekeeping services, childcare, selected co-pay assistance, prosthetics and wigs.
What is breast cancer financial aid?
The aid covers both medical and non-medical related expenses, including health insurance premiums, prescriptions, house or rent payments, car insurance payments, and utility payments. Applicants must be employed, in active treatment and experiencing a loss or reduction in income as a result. Payments are made directly to creditors.
What is Catherine Fund?
“Catherine Fund” Grant Program is designed to assist women who are unable to continue working throughout their breast cancer treatment. We make payments for non-medical expenses like; rent, utilities, transportation for treatment, and food.
What is cancercare.org?
CancerCare.org has a large, searchable database of financial help organizations. Users enter their type of diagnosis and zip code: http://www.cancercare.org/helpinghand
Is there a financial aid program for breast cancer patients?
There are financial assistance programs available for breast cancer patients, but they can be hard to find and, fair warning, sometimes require a lot of time and diligence to receive the benefits. But if you and your supporters make the effort, there are charities and organizations willing to help. We have gathered a list of some resources here.
Is NeedyMeds a non profit?
https://www.needymeds.org/. NeedyMeds is a 501 (c) (3) national non-profit information resource dedicated to helping people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.
What is current treatment?
Current treatment is defined as: Receiving chemo, radiation or awaiting your surgery or going thru surgery.
What is Pink Ribbon Riders?
The program gives financial support in the form of a gift card to patients in states in which the Pink Ribbon Riders fundraise in through their volunteers and donor support. The funds stay in the states in which we fundraise in. The mission and the program was created to help those in financial need by people helping people right in their own communities.
What is the gift of emergency financial assistance?
The gift of emergency financial assistance is available for men and women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and must be in current treatment and meet all program requirements.
Does Pink Ribbon Riders change their notification dates?
The Pink Ribbon Riders organization has and will change notifications/ dates/ giving amounts/ announcements or the process of the program as needed based on organization resources, staff or world events may happen or affect the organization in any form.
Who reserves the right to distribute assistance amounts based on funds available at the time?
The committee reserves the right to distribute assistance amounts based on funds available at the time.
What is TANF grant?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a grant program for people with low incomes. It provides monthly cash to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, phone, medical supplies not covered by Medicaid, and other basic needs . (TANF also helps states provide training and jobs for the people in welfare programs.) A social worker can tell you about your state’s plan, or contact your local health or social services department. You can visit them online at https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-tanf/index.htm.
What is the number to call for food assistance?
Some families may qualify for more than one type of help. For more information about these programs, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 (1-866-3-HUNGRY); for Spanish, call 1-877-842-6273. Or visit www.networks.whyhunger.org/.
What is the road to recovery program?
The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program is available in some areas. Trained volunteers drive patients and families to hospitals and clinics for treatment. Contact your local American Cancer Society office for more information on the type of transportation program available in your area.
What is Mercy Medical Angels?
Mercy Medical Angels provides cost-effective charitable transportation for patients. This organization partners with volunteers, along with private or commercial transportation providers. To find out if you are eligible for this service, you can find more information online at mercymedical.org .
How to ask about Snap?
To ask about SNAP by phone, call your state or local health department or social services department, or call 1-800-221-5689 to get the local number.
What to do if you have cancer and need to move out of your home?
Families who need to move out of their homes after a cancer diagnosis should talk with their county department of social services to find out if they can get into low-cost or government-supported housing programs. In some states this may be listed under the health department or welfare department.
How to keep credit in your home after cancer treatment?
To keep a good credit rating and stay in your home, talk with your creditor or landlord about your situation and try to make special arrangements. Family, friends, or church members may be able to give you short-term help if they’re told about the problem. Talk about your situation with the cancer treatment team social worker who may know of special resources.
How much does a breast cancer patient receive?
Award amount is based on current stage of cancer. Patients with metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer will receive $500; patients with earlier-stage breast cancer (Stage 0 to III) will receive $300.
Why did we create the Komen program?
Financial hardships shouldn’t keep patients from getting the treatments they need, that’s why we created the Komen Treatment Assistance Program. We know medical treatments and care can be expensive, but there are additional costs that can prevent an individual from receiving the treatment they need.
The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund
Who to Contact For Financial Assistance
- If you need financial support, your cancer center likely has a number of people available to help you find programs and services. People who can help are: 1. Doctors and nurses on your care team 2. Social workers and nurse navigators at your cancer center 3. Hospital discharge planners 4. Patient services offices at your cancer center or hospital 5. Financial assistance offices as yo…
Organizations Offering Grants and Other Financial Assistance
- We can provide financial assistance for everyday necessities such as rent and utilities, but the financial burden of breast cancer goes beyond these basic needs. Below is a list of other organizations that offer additional financial assistance for people with cancer. American Breast Cancer Foundation Breast Cancer Assistance Program (844) 219-2223 The ABCF National Brea…
Government Assistance Programs
- Another way to access financial support after a breast cancer diagnosis is through government programs. Visit our page on Work Accommodations and Disability Benefitsto learn about federal and state financial assistance programs, such as: 1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 3. State Disability Insuran...