Programs for cancer patients

Here are ten of the top financial resources for cancer patients, as well as links to their websites and basic information on what they can provide. Some provide support for the cost of cancer treatments and treatment-related expenses, while others provide help with travel and medication.

All can be relied upon for cancer help. Their goal is to facilitate communication and collaboration among member organizations, educate patients and providers about existing resources, and advocate on behalf of cancer patients. They offer a searchable database of financial resources based on both diagnosis and type of financial assistance needed. Cancer Care www.

They offer funding for transportation, home care and child care to those suffering from a variety of diagnoses, and also provide access to professional oncology social workers who have a broad knowledge of other financial resources that may be available. Additionally, the organization has established its own Co-Payment Assistance Foundation to provide help with paying for chemotherapy or other targeted treatments.

HealthWell Foundation www. Their goal is to allow people to focus on their health. American Cancer Society www. Supportive care takes many different shapes in practice. She provides therapeutic music to a wide spectrum of patients as they navigate their cancer journey. Different music and tones have been shown to be effective for different patients and situations. The goal is to provide a cradle of sound to comfort each person.

Sarubbi looks at the music she plays as a sonic massage, and she notes the importance of reading her environment and patient moods. Her harp therapy program offers comfort, reduces anxiety, regulates heart rate, increases oxygen saturation, slows respiration, and helps patients rest and relax.

Sarubbi also mentions its effectiveness as a sleep aid. It really helps transport them to a different place and time. Both Penwarden and Sarubbi have seen their patients embrace supportive care programs, including music, meditation, yoga, exercise, and writing therapy, depending on their individual needs.

When you look at the resources available and refer patients appropriately, everybody wins. Penwarden cites time as a factor in supportive oncology care. Contact your local American Cancer Society office for more information on the type of transportation program available in your area. This aid is only for those with blood cancers leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Community and church groups may be sources of help with travel or its costs, too.

Also, talk to your team social worker about getting help with hospital or clinic parking fees. Some government programs help with food or food costs for low-income people.

The programs listed below are from the US Department of Agriculture although some are run by states for different groups of people, and offer food help in different ways. Some families may qualify for more than one type of help.

Or visit www. It allows people to shop for food in grocery stores using a special Electronic Benefits Transfer card, much like a bank card. To ask about SNAP by phone, call your state or local health department or social services department, or call to get the local number.

This program is designed more for people who are disabled, homebound, or elderly. Volunteers deliver ready-to-eat meals to your home. Costs or fees vary depending on your age and where you live.

Contact Meals on Wheels at or visit their website at www. It provides monthly cash to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, phone, medical supplies not covered by Medicaid, and other basic needs. TANF also helps states provide training and jobs for the people in welfare programs. Visit their website at www. You may notice that many groups and organizations now have a lot of information on the Internet, and it may be harder to call or reach a real person to ask questions.

The American Cancer Society and many other organizations also provide toll-free phone numbers so that people without Internet access can learn about and ask for services.