The document discusses the financial hardship that many cancer patients experience and provides information on assistance programs. A 2009 study found that 30% of cancer patients delay medications, 22% skip doses, and 40% deplete savings due to cancer costs. The document then outlines various causes of financial hardship for cancer patients and types of assistance available, including federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit programs that provide help with copays, transportation, medications and other expenses. It provides resources for financial support and tips for finding assistance.

1. Managing Financial Hardship
When You Have Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Association of Oncology Social
Workers (AOSW) Study
A 2009 AOSW survey about financial stress caused by
cancer showed:
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30% of cancer patients
delay getting prescriptions
filled because of financial
hardship.
22% skip doses of
prescribed medications
because they can’t afford
refills.
40% report depleting their
savings because of copays,
deductibles or household bills.
66% of those having cancer-related
financial problems suffer
from depression or anxiety.

3. What Causes Financial Hardship?
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Decreased income of patient,
caregiver or both because of illness
and inability to work.
Delays in getting disability benefits
from VA or Social Security.
Employers’ lack of short-term
disability.

4. What Causes Financial Hardship?
(con’t)
Increased medical and personal costs:
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Copays and deductible payments for doctor
visits, medications, diagnostics and treatment.
Transportation costs to and from treatment
and hospital parking (airfare and hotel if
traveling to see a mesothelioma specialist).
Hiring help for maintenance around house or
yard.

5. Types of Financial Assistance Available
Help may be available for:
Copays
Transportation costs
Babysitting
Medications
Household expenses
Medical supplies, including wigs or
prosthetics
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6. Federal and State Financial Assistance
Federal Level: Social Security Disability
(not income- or asset-based),
Supplemental Security Income and VA
benefits.
State Level: Food assistance programs,
Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid.
Each state varies greatly in its level of
assistance. States that pay more income
or property taxes generally have more
financial resources available to those in a
medical crisis.
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7. Local Financial Assistance
County or Municipal level:
Some counties or cities have programs for residents
in crises. Visit your city or county website for
financial assistance available.
You should apply for assistance at these
resource levels.
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8. Financial Support from Private and
Nonprofit Sector
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
(http://www.cancerfac.org/) connects
cancer patients to many financial
resources and services.
Search by diagnosis, location and type
of support needed.
Hint: Don’t limit your search to just
“mesothelioma” resources. Select
resources for “all diagnoses.”
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9. Organizations Offering Assistance
CancerCare (cancercare.org)
American Cancer Society (cancer.org)
Angel Flight (angelflight.com)
Joe’s House (joeshouse.org)
Copay Relief (copays.org)
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10. Local Hospital Resources
Hospital or oncology clinic social workers:
Are knowledgeable about local, community
resources only available to patients in your
community.
Can help navigate complicated social service and
government agencies to expedite benefits.
Some hospitals have their own transportation,
accommodation and other resources for their
patients.
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11. Prescription Assistance
 Most pharmaceutical companies offer free or
reduced-priced medications to patients without
prescription coverage.
 Need to apply directly through the pharmaceutical
company.
 Partnership for Prescription Assistance (pparx.org)
connects patients with potential sources of
prescription assistance.
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12. Tips for Finding Financial and Practical
Support
 Be exhaustive and repetitive in your search (some
organizations get grants to fund programs annually
for different diagnoses).
 When friends or family members ask if they can
help, let them research and apply for assistance on
your behalf.
 Talk to your hospital or oncology clinic social worker
for local resources not available on national
databases.
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13. Take Home Messages
 Many mesothelioma patients
experience financial problems.
 There are financial and practical
resources (transportation,
accommodation, supplies) available to
mesothelioma patients.
 Resources available can vary greatly at
state and local levels.
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14. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
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