Financial Assistance For Breast Cancer Patients

Financial Assistance For Breast Cancer Patients – Breast cancer, just like any other types of cancer requires financial strength to pay for the treatment and medication. Recent statistics have shown that breast cancer-related medical costs are not going to get any cheaper. In fact, there have been some researchers estimating that the 2020 cost of breast cancer treatment for women in the United States will reach $21 to $26 billion dollars per year.

The financial cost of breast cancer is putting strains on families than ever before. Therefore, it is encouraged that women with breast cancer should find financial assistance. Today we have collected several information that you can use, related to financial assistance on breast cancer. Do note that most of them are also available for another type of cancer.

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Financial Assistance For Breast Cancer Patients by Government

Medicare and Medicaid

To be able to eligible in Medicare federal health insurance program, you should be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant who is at least 65 years old. Younger people with breast cancer may be eligible after collecting Social Security benefits for 2 years.

Meanwhile, the Medicaid is offered for low-income families with children, SSI recipients, and low-income women with breast or cervical cancer. Please do remember that you have to be diagnosed with breast cancer through the NBCCEDP, which stands for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Check whether your current State offers this program or not through the CDC site.

For income assistance, there are two options coming from the Federal government, including Supplemental Security Income and Temporary Assistance for Needy Family. Both are only available for low-income families.

You can also get financial assistance for breast cancer patients in the form of food assistance program. Formerly known as the Food Stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allows you to save money and shop for food in grocery stores using a special card.

Other programs that can help you with your food costs are Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, etc.

Financial assistance for breast cancer patients can also come in the form of basic living costs assistance. There are numerous organizations in the United States offering benefits for eligible patients. Some of them are:

The Breast Cancer Charities of America

BCCA provides emergency financial services for the breast cancer patients and their families. This organization may be able to help you with transportation expenses, utility bills, and rent evictions.

American Cancer Society

Dedicated to all types of cancer patients, your local ACS may have programs that provide temporary lodgings, wigs, prescription assistance, or transportation assistance. Call your State’s ACS office now and see what they offer for breast cancer patients.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The LIHEAP may be able to help you with your energy bill payments and all things related to it. Ask around for your local LIHEAP office phone, and call them to apply.

Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund

Younger breast cancer patients may receive grants from this organization. The grants can be used to cover basic things like mortgage or rent, repairs, insurance, groceries, or even co-payments.

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