Resources & Tips
American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery
A free program that provides rides to cancer-related medical appointments for patients who can’t drive or don’t have a ride.
Call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about availability in your area.
CancerCare website CancerCare.org
Cancer State Aid in GA
The Cancer State Aid (CSA) Program was established in 1937 by the Georgia legislature at the request of Georgia physicians to reduce the burden and cost of cancer care for uninsured, under-insured, and low-income patients.
Contact the Cancer State Aid Program at 404-463-5111 for additional information.
Family Reach is dedicated to helping with the financial barriers standing between a cancer patient and their care.
Website: www.familyreach.org
FINDING HELP
*A VALUABLE GUIDE FOR CANCER PATIENTS CAREGIVERS & CANCER SURVIVORS*
You will have to sign up for free with a user name and password-Once you have signed up then enter your zip and look for resources that can help.
-Some resources are based on income-
One of the most helpful tabs is *TRANSIT* Click on that tab and go to help pay for gas
GEORGIA’S ONLINE CANCER INFORMATION
https://www.georgiacancerinfo.
PET CARE
Email us at paw@cancercare.org to let us know your zip code and the search categories where you would like to find pet care assistance.
EMPLOYER
When you are ready, talk with your employer about your treatment. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your Human Resources (HR) department about your company’s policies. Your employer may offer flexible scheduling or paid leave options during your treatment.
Here’s a list of questions to consider when you speak with your employer:
- What is our company’s leave policy, including FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), sick time, paid time off, and unpaid leave?
- Is there an option for flexible scheduling as I’m going through treatment or returning to work?
- Will I be able to modify my work routine, if needed-
- How can I stay updated on anything that I’ll miss during my treatment?
- Will there be any impact to my pay or benefits during or after treatment?
- Is there anything I should do to make sure my job is secure?
PAYING BILLS
Here are some tips for cancer patients paying bills:
- Understand your health insurance: Check your benefits with your health insurance company.
- Review bills: Review your bills and Explanations of Benefits (EOB) carefully. Don’t pay a bill until you have the final EOB from your insurance company.
- Ask about payment plans: Ask your medical provider if you can arrange a payment plan.
- Negotiate: If you can’t pay a bill right away, you can negotiate with your provider.
- Save on medicine: Ask your doctor if you can take a generic version of a name-brand medicine. You can also look into discount drug programs.
- Contact your creditors: If you’re having trouble paying your monthly bills, contact your creditors as soon as possible. They may be able to set up a payment schedule.
- Talk to your cancer care team: Ask to talk with a social worker or patient navigator about sources of help.
- Consider a professional bill reviewer: If you have large amounts of medical bills, consider consulting with a professional bill reviewer.
- Contact the No Surprises Help Desk: If you receive a surprise bill, you can contact the No Surprises Help Desk at (800) 985-3059 or file a complaint online.
The “No Surprises Act” is a federal law that protects patients from unexpected medical bills, commonly known as “surprise billing,” by limiting the amount they can be charged when receiving care from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, especially during emergencies, and requiring providers to disclose potential out-of-network costs before treatment; essentially ensuring patients only pay their standard in-network copay for most emergency services and certain non-emergency procedures where they couldn’t reasonably know the provider was out-of-network.
If you are not able to work, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These programs are designed to help people who can’t work because of disabilities. Cancer is often is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You may be able to apply for disability benefits through Social Security if you meet eligibility requirements.
Website: www.ssa.gov/
If you haven’t worked in a while or your income has been low, Supplemental Security Income may be an option for getting benefits.
Website: www.ssa.gov/ssi
CONSIDER ASKING YOUR COMMUNITY FOR HELP
There are many websites that people may use to raise money from family, friends, and others in their community. These sites are known as crowdfunding sites. Many people use them for different needs, including raising money to help pay for extra expenses related to medical care. Each site has different rules, so be sure to read carefully before starting your fundraiser.
Website: www.gofundme.com
Website: www.gogetfunding.com
Website: www.fundrazr.com
VIATICAL SETTLEMENTS: YOUR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY PAYS YOU
Starting the Viatical Process to see if your policy qualifies (877) 261-0632 or
info@americanlifefund.com
Imagine having a safety net you didn’t even know about. Your life insurance policy can be that unexpected relief. While health insurance and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover some expenses, many patients still face significant out-of-pocket costs. What if you were told that your life insurance policy could be transformed into immediate financial support through a Viatical settlement? This option provides a lump-sum cash payment, helping you manage expenses and focus on what truly matters.
How Viatical Settlements Work
- Eligibility: Viatical settlements are designed for life insurance policyholders with life-threatening illnesses, reduced life expectancies, or chronic health issues.
- Payment: Cancer patients can sell their life insurance policy to third-party buyers in return for a lump-sum payment. This payment is more than the cash value of the life insurance policy but less than the death benefit.
- Process: The settlement process can be swift, with some individuals receiving up to 70% of their life insurance policy value in as little as two weeks. For instance, a $500,000 life insurance policy might yield a viatical settlement payout of $350,000. The viatical settlement company takes over paying the monthly insurance premiums and receives the death benefit after the seller’s passing.
- Tax Benefits: The funds from a viatical settlement are tax-free, and the policyholder can decide how to spend them—whether on medical expenses, living expenses, or even a vacation with loved ones.
Advantages of Viatical Settlements
- Immediate Access to Funds: Quick access to cash helps manage immediate expenses.
- Flexibility: Use the funds as needed, providing financial relief and peace of mind.
- Hassle-Free Process: Simplified application process ensures a smooth experience.