Getting financial aid for breast cancer patients and families can be daunting. That being said, there are several methods you can try to get breast cancer financial assistance fund.
Note that we don’t talk about the Breast Cancer Financial Assistance organization, which is notorious for their legal yet unethical methods. We’ve heard many stories about this organization, which comes from a very reliable source, the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The Better Business Bureau trough its official website said that only a fraction of the donated money sent to BCFAF organization is sent to actually provide financial aid for patients etc. The BBB issued a warning for local donors to use cautions when dealing with the BCFAF, which is also known as the Cancer Fund of America. According to the BBB investigation which was based on the IRS Form 990, it was found out that the organization only channeled about 8% of the raised funds for the charity. Some of the most common complaints about the BCFAF is that their phone representatives can become very insisted.
Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Programs
This is not the first time we’ve heard BBB issued a warning about the organization. Back in 2009 they did the same. Investigative reports coming from Tampa Bay Times and the Center for Investigative Reporting has determined that the Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Fund is the second worst charity in United States.
If you are interested in donating for breast cancer patients and families, you can do so in the trusted nonprofit organizations that focus on breast cancer that has good financial report, and good accountability and transparency, for instance:
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- The Rose
- Breast Cancer Connections
- National Breast Cancer Foundations, Inc.
- Living Beyond Cancer
- Breastcancer.org
Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Fund For Patients
Where can you get a proper breast cancer financial assistance? Aside of the charity organizations we’ve listed above, you can also find help from these sources
- Doctor
Your doctor is a good place to start. First you need to explain your financial condition, and ask whether there are cheaper drugs alternative that can be used for the cancer treatment. You can also ask the hospital’s management if they can provide financing option. You may have to provide several required documents, etc.
- Government Programs
Medicaid provides help for patients coming from eligible low income families. Another government based source is the Social Security office. However, these programs are only available for patients from financially needed families. You also need to remember that the government resource is limited, and yet the demand is high.
- Fund Raising
You can find additional financial help from fund raising. One of my friends make a simple shirt with heartwarming prints about her child’s battle against cancer and sell them to help reducing the cost of treatment. You can also start the breast cancer fundraising from various fundraising websites. Fundraising is a good way to get both financial support and emotional support.
As you can see, there are many ways to get breast cancer financial assistance fund. Hope this help!
References :
- Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Fund : bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/charity-national/breast-cancer-financial-assistance-fund-in-salt-lake-city-ut-2006901
- Breastcancer.org
- Charities Working to Prevent and Cure Breast Cancer : charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=497#.VE1AK2cas-1
- Images: bcfaf.org, realworldhealthcare.org
