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.
What resources are available for breast cancer?
Financial helpBringing Hope Home. (484) 580-8395. ... CancerCare. (800) 813-4673 (800-813-HOPE) ... Forward4Tobi. (847) 894-6650. ... HealthWell Foundation. (800) 675-8416. ... PAN Foundation. (866) 316-7263 (866-316-PANF) ... The Pink Fund. (877) 234-7465 (877-234-PINK) ... CancerConnect. (208) 727-6880. ... Cancer Support Community (CSC) (888) 793-9355.More items...
Can you get money for having breast cancer?
Komen Financial Assistance Program Susan G. Komen® offers the Komen Financial Assistance Program to eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV), the most advanced stage of breast cancer.
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 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.
How do you support a woman with breast cancer?
Emotional helpBe available to listen. Let your friend know that you're available to come over when needed. ... Let her know if you don't mind taking a call from her in the middle of the night. ... Just be yourself. ... Let her know you care. ... Phone her, but be respectful of her needs. ... Visit, but phone first to check it's okay.
What types of cancer qualify 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.
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.
Is Stage 4 breast cancer considered a disability?
Background. Individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer automatically qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) as long as they apply and meet the SSA's technical qualification rules.
Does Stage 2 breast cancer qualify for disability?
If you have an earlier stage of breast cancer, such as Stage 2 or Stage 3, you might qualify for disability based on Social Security's "listing" for breast cancer. A "listed impairment" is a condition that isn't quite as serious as a CAL condition but is still considered disabling.
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 while getting chemotherapy for breast cancer?
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 a triple negative cancer?
The term triple-negative breast cancer refers to the fact that the cancer cells don't have estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR) and also don't make any or too much of the protein called HER2. (The cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.)
How do you stay intimate when taking tamoxifen?
Try moisturisers or lubricants Vaginal lubricants are shorter acting than moisturisers, and only provide temporary relief. They're intended to help prevent friction and pain during sex and intimacy, and work best if used by both you and your partner. Lubricants are available as a pessary or a tube of liquid or gel.
Do lactating adenomas go away?
Patients are often treated conservatively as most lactating adenomas resolve spontaneously after pregnancy and lactation periods. However, some lactating adenomas increase in size or even persist, and the surgery is required in such cases.
What is the BCAF?
Addressing these needs is why the Breast Cancer Assistance Fund (BCAF) was created.
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.
How to supplement financial assistance for breast cancer patients?
One of the quickest, easiest ways to supplement financial assistance for breast cancer patients is fundraising. With a little upfront investment of your time and a good social network, fundraising can be an effective tool for harnessing financial funds.
What organizations help cancer patients?
National organizations include Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, and Jewish Family Services. Local churches and nonprofit organizations can also provide financial assistance to cancer patients through fundraisers.
What is the Pink Fund?
The Pink Fund provides financial support to help individuals with breast cancer afford basic living expenses, reduce stress levels, and allow patients in active treatment to focus on their health. The Pink Fund offers a 90-day grant program to help individuals with breast cancer pay for lodging, transportation, utilities, medical expenses, and health insurance.
What is patient assistance?
Patient assistance programs provide educational resources for cancer patients and valuable resources for individuals in need of financial help due to cancer. Eligible individuals can apply for food stamps or financial assistance.
What is the Department of Health and Human Services?
The United States Department of Health & Human Services. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides educational resources for cancer patients. From a financial standpoint, the government program offers a wide range of financial resources for cancer patients faced with financial burden due to the costs of cancer care.
What to do after cancer diagnosis?
Organizations that provide financial support to cancer patients can help with the out-of-pocket costs of medical bills, home care, and medications. The following organizations can provide ...
Does American Life Fund help breast cancer patients?
But fear not! We at American Life Fund regularly work with breast cancer patients to help them financially, which is why we put together this comprehensive list of financial assistance and free money available for breast cancer patients.
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.
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.
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 ).
Is mammogram free?
In many parts of the U.S., low-cost or free mammograms are also offered through national programs and community organizations .
Who can help with insurance?
Your doctor, nurse or social worker may have information on financial resources. Most hospitals and treatment centers have financial counselors. They can help you with the details of your insurance paperwork and give you an estimate of the cost of your treatment.
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, ...
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.
What is current treatment?
Current treatment is defined as: Receiving chemo, radiation or awaiting your surgery or going thru surgery.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
What time does the Breast Care Helpline open?
Calls to our Breast Care Helpline are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET.
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). –.
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...