lung cancer patient assistance programs

Lung Cancer Resources & Assistance Programs

Full Answer

Where can I get financial assistance for individuals with lung cancer?

There are a range of charities and organizations that offer financial assistance for individuals with lung cancer. The HealthWell Foundation provides a variety of disease funds when health insurance does not provide enough financial assistance.

What is the financial treatment program for people with cancer?

Family Reach offers the Financial Treatment Program for people with cancer who are receiving treatment or have undergone treatment in the past year. The program offers financial coaching, connecting people with local financial assistance services, and emergency relief grants. People can contact Family Reach using the following information:

What are co-pay assistance programs for cancer patients?

Many co-pay assistance organizations have limited funds that tend to run out, so it’s important to contact them sooner rather than later. These programs can help people to afford the cost of their medications, as many cancer medications can be quite expensive.

How can I get help paying for cancer treatment?

Contact the American Cancer Society office at 1-800-227-2345 for more information on whether this program is available in your area. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through its Patient Aid program, can help some families with the cost of gas and parking for outpatient treatment.

What resources are available for people with lung cancer?

Support programs include:Lung Cancer Hotline.Toll-free information and referral service.Phone Buddies Program, a peer-to-peer support network.Online support community.Clinical trials matching service.Newsletter.Specialized lung cancer information and educational materials.

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.

How can I get money if I have cancer?

How can I get money for cancer treatment? Grants, crowdfunding, and disability benefits are some other ways you can get money for cancer treatment. Additionally, viatical or life settlements (where you sell your life insurance policy for a lump sum of cash), can be a great option to get money for cancer treatment.

How do you pay for treatment for lung cancer?

There are a range of financial assistance options to help people cover treatment costs. These options include federal and state health insurance, payment assistance programs, and disease funds or grants from charities and organizations. This article looks at what costs health insurance may cover.

What cancers automatically qualify for disability benefits?

If you have been diagnosed with one of the following cancers, you should automatically, medically qualify for disability benefits:Esophageal cancer.Gallbladder cancer.Brain cancer.Inflammatory breast cancer.Liver cancer.Pancreatic cancer.Salivary cancers.Sinonasal cancer.More items...•

Does having cancer qualify you for 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.

Does the government give you money if you have cancer?

Government Compensation for Cancer Patients If a person acquired any of those diseases and lived in those specified areas of the Western U.S. during that time, they can apply for compensation. Unlike class-action lawsuits, statutes like this offer compensation without having to prove causation.

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 happens if you get cancer and can't work?

If you can't work due to a cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible for financial support from two Social Security programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide financial support to people with disabilities unable to work.

Can lung cancer be cured at stage 4?

There is currently no cure for stage 4 lung cancer. However, certain treatments can alleviate the symptoms and prolong a person's life. The best approach to treatment depends partly on the type of lung cancer. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

What is the newest treatment for lung cancer?

Atezolizumab is approved to treat some people with non-small cell lung cancer after surgery. An immune checkpoint inhibitor is a drug that blocks proteins on immune system cells which then allows them to fight cancer. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been approved for advanced lung cancer.

What is the new pill for lung cancer?

FDA Approves First Targeted Therapy to Treat Aggressive Form of Lung Cancer. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tabrecta (capmatinib) for the treatment of adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body.

Can cancer patients get free dental treatment?

Free dental treatment for all cancer patients – with an exemption in the same manner as prescription charges; Ensure patients are advised by their GP (who is normally the first medical professional to be aware of the diagnosis) to visit their dentist prior to treatment starting.

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.

Can I get blue badge if I have cancer?

Having cancer treatment does not mean you will be eligible for an automatic Blue Badge. You are able to apply but must have a walking difficulty as indicated on the application form. Anyone holding a DS1500 form will get an automatic badge without payment and this is valid for 3 years.

What are the distractions of lung cancer?from lungcancer.net

When you're dealing with lung cancer, the focus is often on managing the cancer -- as it should be! However, other distractions can often come up and become stressful and anxiety -provoking. Insurance problems, financial troubles, transportation struggles, and pricey treatments can all take our thoughts and energy away from where we need them the most, focusing on feeling and getting well. While many of us know there are assistance programs out there for individuals with cancer, it’s incredibly overwhelming to search through them all and know how to qualify.

Can cancer medications be expensive?from lungcancer.net

These programs can help people to afford the cost of their medications, as many cancer medications can be quite expensive.

Is the lung helpline free?from lung.org

Talk to our healthcare professionals at the Lung HelpLine. Our service is free and available as often as you need. We are here to help you.

Is there a free online community for lung cancer survivors?from lung.org

The American Lung Association has a free online lung cancer community on Inspire.com called Lung Cancer Survivors for individuals who are living with lung disease s and their caregivers. Individuals register to join the community. Members can choose their level of participation and engagement. This online lung cancer forum is a place for members to discuss how lung disease is affecting them and share their life experience with their peers.

What to do after lung cancer diagnosis?

After a lung cancer diagnosis, taking a proactive approach toward your health is essential. However, it can be difficult to take time for yourself when you’re dealing with financial issues.

What is patient assistance?

Patient assistance programs provide educational and financial resources for cancer patients and family members. Lung cancer patients meeting the eligibility requirements can apply for food stamps or financial assistance.

How does American Life Fund work?

American Life Fund guides cancer patients through the easy, hassle-free process of selling their life insurance policy to help pay for medical expenses and active treatment or eliminate medical debt.

What is the American Cancer Society?

American Cancer Society (ACS) ACS offers educational materials about the risks and signs of lung cancer to encourage early detection. ACS also offers financial support to eligible patients with lung cancer, including the Road to Recovery Program.

Does Cancer Care offer financial assistance?

The copayment assistance program helps cover the cost of health insurance copayments for medical treatment. CancerCare also offers counseling and social worker services and can help eligible cancer patients apply for financial aid from other financial assistance programs.

Does American Life Fund have a waiting period?

We know that family members may need more time to discuss finances, so there’s no waiting period to re-apply online.

Can cancer patients sell their life insurance?

Cancer patients with life insurance policies can enter agreements with a viatical settlement company to sell their life insurance policy . In other words, you’ll receive a large lump-sum payment, and the buyer takes over paying monthly insurance premiums to keep your policy in place.

What is the American Lung Association's helpline?

The American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine can answer questions you have about tobacco cessation, lung disease treatment plans, diagnostic tests and ways to keep your lungs healthy.

What are the programs that provide assistance to all Americans?

In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, which provide benefits to all eligible Americans according to their age and income level, you may also be able to find assistance programs run by your state or local government.

What is prescription assistance?

Prescription Assistance Programs. Many pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy chains and nonprofit organizations offer programs that provide access to free or low-cost medicines. Eligibility requirements vary, so you need to check carefully to find a plan that works for you. SingleCare.

What is a patient access network?

The Patient Access Network Foundation's FundFinder is a web-based app designed to quickly notify registered users when financial assistance for their condition becomes available from any of the charitable patient assistance foundations.

What to do if your family is burdened by medical bills?

Financial Assistance Programs. If the cost of medical treatment is a burden for you and your family, you should talk to your healthcare team about your concerns and see what options are available. Your doctor may be able to switch you to less expensive, but equally effective treatments. You should also ask about the types ...

What can you use money for with an illness?

Depending on the program, patients who qualify may be able to use the funds for medicine, doctor visits, travel expenses and health insurance premiums.

What is BenefitsCheckup?

BenefitsCheckUp is a free service of the National Council on Aging that allows seniors to search a database of over 2,500 benefits programs nationwide, including medication, housing, food and nutrition and income assistance.

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 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 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 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.

Can you get paid for time spent caring for a patient?

A few people are able to get paid for time spent caregiving. Some states have Cash and Counseling Programs that can directly pay some caregivers. You can find out if your state has a program by contacting your local Medicaid office, social services, or health department.

Does Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provide gas?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through its Patient Aid program, can help some families with the cost of gas and parking for outpatient treatment. This aid is only for those with blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma). There’s a limit on the amount of financial help to each patient and family for each year. Check with your team social worker about this program or contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 1-800-955-4572 or look on www.lls.org.

What is the free grant program for lung cancer?

Free financial grant program for US residents currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer. Funding can be provided for transportation assistance, home-based care costs, and child care costs. Income limits apply and is based on federal poverty guidelines that change annually. To apply for this cash grant program, call (800) 813‑4673 (10AM-6PM ET M-Th) to speak with a social worker who can prequalify you over the phone and send you out the enrollment form.

What is the lung cancer courage kit?

This lung cancer Courage Kit by the American Lung Association is a free care package filled with comfort items including a blanket, coloring book, mask, educational and support materials and more. This program requires participation in two phone interviews and two feedback surveys once you receive your kit. To find out more and to request your free care package, please see this page and complete the form here: https://www.lung.org/lung-force/about-lung-force/courage-kit.

Is Cancer Care News a non profit organization?

Cancer Care News is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) sharing evidence-based cancer updates & the latest free nationwide resources for patients & families. Please share the information you find helpful with others in need.