Things You'll Need:
- Time, energy, paitence, a computer or phone
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Step 1
I was recently diagnosed with cancer. I tell you God is good and I have some superior friends in my life that helped me get through this ugly disease. I am happy to say I am doing very well and the cancer is gone. But I was left with some hefty bills. I hope I can help you. I am going to give you some sites that truly helped me. First of all Cancer Care is great. They gave me a check for $125 just because I had cancer. They also gave me $300 to help me with my nausea medication. Then this year again they gave me $125. So total I received $550. I was diagnosed in 2007 and still was in treatment in 2008. Call Cancer Care at, Call 1-800-813-HOPE or email info@cancercare.org. Their website is www.cancercare.org. Have your doctor fill out his or her portion and return the application. The people at Cancer Care are so nice and courteous. They get the money back to you within 2 weeks of receipt of the application.
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Step 2
I had to go for my radiation treatments daily for 32 days. I also had to have chemo therapy. Anyone diagnosed with cancer knows it is countless trips to the doctor. I had to pay for parking. I live in the Chicagoland area and each day parking can be $9-18 per day. American Cancer society reimbursed me for parking up to $300. Their website is www.cancer.org. Your hospital should have a social worker there that can assist you in getting this assistance. I love the American Cancer Society. They also offer free wigs and free literature and other items. I also received the breast cancer pendants that you attach to your clothes from them. They will give you as many as you need. My friends were so kind and had a fund raiser benefit for me. The tickets were $50. I went to a banquet hall where the food was $15 per person. The guest paid for their liquor. I had over 100 people attend and I ended up earning, over $3000. Try a fundraiser people are very helpful with paying for your hospital expenses.
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Step 3
I am now on Medicaid/public aid. I am only 38 years old and work as a contractor. You may have to meet a minimum salary requirement but I truly do not think so. I am on Medicaid for breast cancer patients. They have special insurance set up funded by the state to help us. Research this. Web site: www.medicare.gov
Phone: 1-800-633-4227 or 1-800-MEDICARE (English and Spanish-speaking staff are available at this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week I applied and within 2-3 weeks my insurance was granted. I pay $2 co-pay when I go to the doctor and that is it. I even use it at my dentist to get cavities filled and for an extraction. Look into your state's public assistance. I also received a $3000 grant from Healthwell to help with my nausea medication. One shot cost $1200. They covered it for me. HealthWell Foundation
Web site: www.healthwellfoundation.org
Phone: 1-800-675-8416 Also discuss with your hospital about plans for financial assistance. There are so many agencies and plans out here to help us survive cancer and survive the financial hardship. I pray that this helps you and you will be blessed and healed. God is love.
Comments
maryanne09 said
on 7/28/2009 Great article on How to get financial assistance when you are diagnosed with cancer! 5*'s :o)
mreeves08 said
on 10/7/2008 My aunt was just diagnosed with bladder cancer and she doesn't have health insurance and she's one year away from Medicare, just wanted to know if there was any kind of assistance out there. Thank you very much!
God Bless you and I hope you are doing well.
Marie02 said
on 9/29/2008 This is great information. Alot of people feel they have nowhere to turn when they face this kind of crisis. The information and tips you provide are most helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and give people hope that they too can receive some assistance.
mbos124 said
on 9/28/2008 Great article TC. It is so important to inform people about the services that can help people when such a crisis arises. Many people would have no idea of such services and programs. God bless!