The National Cancer Institute estimated the cost of cancer care in the United States was $147.6 billion in 2020. This number is expected to rise to $156.7 billion by 2025. Cancer care is expensive, and the cost both financially and emotionally can be overwhelming for patients and their families. This blog will provide information on financial resources to help offset the high cost of cancer care as well as support programs that can assist you and your family financially and emotionally during this challenging time. ❤️
SSA Disability
The Social Security Administration has a Compassionate Allowances program that fast-tracks disability claims for certain serious conditions, including some types of cancer. If you have a qualifying condition, you may be able to get your claim approved in as little as 10 days. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/.
Prescription Assistance
If you’re struggling to afford your cancer medications, you may be eligible for no-cost prescriptions through a prescription assistance program (PAP). PAPs are offered by pharmaceutical companies, patient assistance foundations, and state or local governments. To find out if you qualify for any PAP, visit this free online tool for quick answers. More free prescription programs are here in our directory. ❤️
Grants
There are several types of grants available for cancer patients in need of assistance with their expenses, providing relief for those facing this difficult time. For example, the Kamm Cares Foundation provides grants to cancer patients in the USA to help cover household expenses during treatment. Eligible expenses include food, travel, transportation, childcare, and more. Proof of diagnosis is required and funds are based on financial need. To apply, please visit this link and complete the online application on the Kamm Cares website. Check out our national directory of grants programs for cancer patients in the USA to view more grants available right now. ❤️
Free Professional Help
A professional cancer navigator can make all the difference in the world. A navigator can help you with everything from emotional support to designing a custom care plan with the exact financial resources you need to get the care you deserve. Here are some of the (many!) benefits of working with a care navigator:
Emotional Support
Cancer navigators provide emotional support to patients and families. They understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there themselves. They can provide practical advice on dealing with treatment side effects, managing finances, communicating with friends and family, and much more. Cancer navigators also connect patients with community resources like support groups, transportation assistance, and home health services.
Education
Cancer navigators are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cancer treatment options, clinical trials, and more. They can explain medical terms in layman’s terms so that you can make informed decisions about your care. Cancer navigators also keep up with the latest research so that they can provide you with the most up-to-date information about your disease and treatment options.
Less Stress & Better Care
Cancer navigators not only provide education and support, but they also improve your quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Studies published in the National Library of Medicine show that patients who have a cancer navigator report less stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don’t. Cancer navigators also help get the right care at the right time. Here is one free cancer navigator program to help you right now:
The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program
The ACS offers a free patient navigation program that provides one-on-one support to patients as they navigate their cancer journey. Patient navigators can help with everything from finding financial assistance to scheduling appointments and organizing paperwork. To find an ACS patient navigator in your area, please call the American Cancer Society help line directly at (800) 227-2345 or visit this link for more. All services are free of charge to cancer patients and families in the USA.
Cancer navigators provide support, education, and resources to help patients make informed decisions, stick to their treatment plan, and get the most out of their cancer journey. Don’t go through this difficult time alone – reach out to a professional cancer navigator today. More zero-cost cancer navigators are available here. ❤️
More Programs for Cancer Patients in the USA
There are hundreds and hundreds of free national programs available to cancer patients to offset the cost of treatment and other associated expenses. In addition, a personal care navigator can help you navigate the financial, emotional maze after diagnosis. Be sure to check your eligibility for these and other financial assistance programs so that you can get the help you deserve. We list hundreds of these free resources in our national directory. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. These resources can make a big difference in your ability to afford treatment and improve your quality of life. More free financial programs for cancer patients are available here. ❤️
