Financial Support
A significant part of cancer care is the financial burden that may fall upon survivors and their families. Treatment bills, drug prescriptions, and utilities are among many costs that can become too much; however, there is help. Professionals such as oncology social workers, case managers, and nurse navigators are available to assist with providing financial resources, aid, and referrals to support services. Don't let financial burdens drag you down - there are numerous ways to get help and remind you that you are not alone!
Below are some sample budget forms that you can use to organize your monthly income and expenses, and a partial list of other financial resources and articles that are prepared to help.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Patient Aid Program
Through this program, LLS provides a one-time $100 stipend to eligible blood cancer patients to help offset expenses. There are no income criteria to qualify for this program.
To be eligible for the program:
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Patients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and reside in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
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Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of blood cancer, be in active treatment, scheduled to begin treatment or in follow-up care, all attested to by the patient or care team member.
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Patients may be insured or uninsured.
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Patients are only eligible for one Patient Aid award. If patients have received a Patient Aid award in the past, they are not eligible to reapply.
Financial Planning
Financial Advisor and Liaison to Dana-Farber Pro Bono Financial Coaching, Rick Fingerman, CFP® has kindly provided documents that can be used to organize expenses. Both forms can be edited and filled out as you go through the months!
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is a cancer financial support organization that strives to alleviate the financial burden of cancer on patients and their families. They provide grants to assist with household expenses including rent, mortgage, and utilities. To find out more or to apply visit: https://joeandruzzifoundation.org/
Clinical Trial Costs
The National Cancer Institute provides helpful guidance on clinical trials for patients and caregivers.
REDUCING FINANCIAL TOXICITY:
Financial toxicity describes problems patients and families face related to the cost of health care. Patients with a cancer diagnosis can experience financial toxicity due to high costs of cancer treatments. Financial toxicity can disrupt treatment and impact a patient and family's quality of life. To find out more visit here.