LiveStrong

Hello from Cancer Fairy Godmother !

To everyone who has been posting in need on this site, one of the main things that people are asking about is financial help for lives torn apart by Cancer.

It has been difficult for me to be able to come up with options when there is so much need and so little money and resources. Like many people in the country, I am living hand to mouth due to the economy and the crazy disconnected politics happening far away from the planet I live on, Planet Earth, opposed to Planet Washington DC.

Politics aside, Tonya Sue Carther created this site to help people cope with all the issues that come up when one is dealing with Cancer. I am just a guy trying to keep her site going, and I am hoping that people can find and help each other on this site.

In the meantime, I am posting a big link on the front of this site to LiveStrong, a cancer charity that seems to be well funded and vibrant. Perhaps the people over at LiveStrong can give some insight and information to people looking for financial and practical help.

I am not bailing on this site, I will approve any comments, requests and communications posted to Cancer Fairy Godmother. I am searching for charities that specialize in Cancer patient help for adults. These days, most of the Cancer focused charities are created to help children when it comes to financial aid.

Hello ! We have been receiving many requests from visitors to this site asking for help with money.

This is a huge and difficult issue.  First I would like to ask if there is anyone out there who is an angel, looking to help others suffering from cancer by donating money, this site will do whatever it can to match up people with financial needs with those that want to help. This is a long shot, I understand.

Cancer imposes heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. For many people, a portion of medical expenses is paid by their health insurance plan. For individuals who do not have health insurance or who need financial assistance to cover health care costs, resources are available, including Government-sponsored programs and services supported by voluntary organizations.

Cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns they may have about health care costs with their physician, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.

The organizations and resources listed below may offer financial assistance. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified.

• The national American Cancer Society (ACS) office can provide the telephone number of the local ACS office serving your area. The ACS offers programs that help cancer patients, family members, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. Information on these programs is available on the Web site listed below. Some materials are published in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

Telephone: 1–800–227–2345 (1–800–ACS–2345) Web site: http://www.cancer.org

• Cancer Care is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency’s Web site. Cancer Care’s reach also extends to professionals – providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the Cancer Care Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish.

Cancer Care also operates the AVONCares Program for Medically Underserved Women, which provides financial assistance to low-income, under- and uninsured, underserved women throughout the country who need supportive services (transportation, child care, and home care) related to the treatment of breast and cervical cancers.
Telephone: 1-800-813-4673 (1-800-813-HOPE) Web site: http://www.cancercare.org

• The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which eligible families may apply for financial assistance.

Telephone: 1-800-366-2223 (1-800-366-CCCF)
Web site: http://www.candlelighters.org

• Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer help. These organizations are listed in your local phone directory. Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members.

• Fund-raising is another mechanism to consider. Some patients find that friends, family, and community members are willing to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Contact your local library for information about how to organize fund-raising efforts.

• General Assistance programs provide food, housing, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Funds are often limited. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local Department of Social Services; this number is found in the local telephone directory.

• Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization. Information about which facilities are part of this program is available by calling the toll-free number or visiting the Web site shown below. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish.

Telephone: 1–800–638–0742

Web site: http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr/obtain/consfaq.htm

• Income Tax Deductions: Medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies sometimes can be deducted from annual income before taxes. Examples of tax deductible expenses might include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs or equipment, and the cost of meals during lengthy medical visits. The local Internal Revenue Service office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine medical costs that are tax deductible. These telephone numbers are available in the local telephone directory.

Web site: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers information and financial aid to patients who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Callers may request a booklet describing LLS’s Patient Aid Program or the telephone number for their local LLS office. Some publications are available in Spanish.

Telephone: 1–800–955–4572
Web site: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

• Medicaid (Medical Assistance), a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses, is coordinated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), formerly the Health Care Financing Administration. At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive Federal income assistance such as Social Security Income and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies and equipment. Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office. Check the local telephone directory for the number to call. Information about specific state contacts is also available on the Web site listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.

Web site: http://www.cms.gov/medicaid/consumer.asp

• Medicare is a Federal health insurance program also administered by the CMS. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and disabled people under age 65. Medicare may offer reimbursement for some home care services. Cancer patients who qualify for Medicare may also be eligible for coverage of hospice services if they are accepted into a Medicare-certified hospice program. To receive information on eligibility, explanations of coverage, and related publications, call Medicare at the number listed below or visit their Web site. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

Telephone: 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE)
TTY: 1–877–486–2048
Web site: http://www.medicare.gov

• The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters. The Patient Assistance Program is a subsidiary of the PAF. It provides financial assistance to patients who meet certain qualifications. The toll-free number is 1-866-512-3861.

Telephone: 1–800–532–5274
Web site: http://www.patientadvocate.org

• Patient Assistance Programs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. To learn whether a specific drug might be available at reduced cost through such a program, talk with a physician or a medical social worker.

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the Government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. A description of each of these programs follows. More information about these and other SSA programs is available by calling the toll-free number listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available.

Telephone: 1–800–772–1213
TTY: 1–800–325–0778

Social Security provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to apply for benefits is available from the Social Security Administration.

Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supplements Social Security payments for individuals who have certain income and resource levels. SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to file a claim is available from the Social Security Administration.

Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/notices/supplemental-security-income

• The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a Federal-State partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured children of low-wage, working parents. Callers will be referred to the SCHIP program in their state for further information about what the program covers, who is eligible, and the minimum qualifications.

Telephone: 1-877-543-7669 (1-877-KIDS-NOW)
Web site: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

• Transportation: There are nonprofit organizations that arrange free or reduced cost air transportation for cancer patients going to or from cancer treatment centers. Financial need is not always a requirement. To find out about these programs, talk with a medical social worker. Ground transportation services may be offered or mileage reimbursed through the local ACS or your state or local Department of Social Services.

• Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans and their dependents may receive cancer treatment at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided, and treatment for other conditions may be available based on the veteran’s financial need. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff are available in some offices.

Telephone: 1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS)
Web site: http://www1.va.gov/Health_Benefits/

A great charity that actually helps those who are sick is Joan Rivers favorite charity “Gods Love We Deliver”. The Cancer Fairy Godmother was so happy when she saw on The Celebrity Apprentice that this charity delivers free food. Again the word FREE. As promised the Cancer Fairy Godmother tries her best to give you information on these services.

At God’s Love We Deliver there mission is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with serious illnesses (CANCER) by alleviating hunger and malnutrition.

They prepare and deliver nutritious meals to those who are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. They also provide illness-specific nutrition education and counseling to their clients,families,care providers and other service organizations.

How can you get on the meal program? Call client services at 212-294-8102 or 800-747-2023 this will begin the registration process. For more information: http://www.godslovewedeliver.org

Rx4NJ is a program that connects qualified, low-income people with discount prescription drugs, direct from the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Rx4NJ offers a single point of access to public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

Help for Those in Need

Many people have difficulty affording health care, including prescription medicines. A number of patient assistance programs provide help to patients who lack prescription drug coverage and earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level (approximately $19,000 for an individual or $31,000 for a family of three).*

• More than 27 million people in the United States make less than 200% of the federal poverty level and are uninsured.

Access to Free or Nearly Free Medicines for Those Who Qualify

Patients will be directed to the public or private programs most likely to meet their needs. Rx4NJ helps low-income, uninsured patients:

• Enroll in more than 150 company patient assisAtance programs
• Access more than 1,200 medicines for free or at a low cost
• Learn how to contact government programs for which they may qualify, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program

* Qualifications vary by program

For more information click here   http://www.rx4nj.org

The Cancer Fairy Godmother is dedicated to reaching beyond the research and support group sites. Our goal is simply to …HELP THY NEIGHBOR. During these times of economic hardship it has become increasingly difficult to meet basic primary needs. The Cancer patient upon diganosis is overwhelmed with life threatening decisions to make as well as worrying about financial matters which can become very stressful towards the road to recovery. The need for monetary assistance of any amount is critical. The co-payments for (doctor visits, infusion treatments, chemo, hospital stays, emergency room, prescriptions, wigs, food, over the counter drugs, rent, mortgage, etc. can add up into the thousands. Just a dollar or two will make the world of difference toward GIVING THE CANCER PATIENT a speedy recovery.

SO HELP US…HELP THEM…TO KICK CANCER TO THE CURB

Prescription Assistance Resources

The links below provide  information  to help you with Prescription Assistance Programs. Please read  for more information.

• LIVESTRONG™ SurvivorCare Program
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC)
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Insure Kids Now!
• ClinicalTrials.gov
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Federal Trade Commission
• Better Business Bureau
• U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration
• RxAssist
• NeedyMeds.com

LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare Program
www.livestrong.org/survivorcare

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-866-235-7205
Case managers take calls Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST). Voicemail is available after hours.

LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare offers assistance to all cancer survivors, including the person diagnosed, caregivers, family and friends. The program provides education, information about treatment options and new treatments in development, counseling services and assistance with financial, employment or insurance issues. To provide these services, LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare has partnered with several organizations, including CancerCare, Patient Advocate Foundation and EmergingMed.

The LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebook is a tool that can help you organize and guide your cancer experience. The portable, three-ring binder contains a variety of information covering a full range of physical, emotional and practical survivorship topics. You may order a free LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebook at www.livestrong.org/notebook. Shipping and handling charges will apply.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency that oversees the safety of foods, medicines, cosmetics and certain medical treatments in the United States. The Web site has information about how to report consumer problems with these products, such as an adverse reaction to a food product or an over-the-counter medical device that does not work as advertised.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
www.cms.hhs.gov

Phone: 1-877-267-2323
TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers: 1-866-226-1819

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the federal agency that oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Web site offers direct links to each program. The site also offers a glossary of agency terms and a search tool. Some common Medicare and Medicaid forms can be printed from the site, or you can call the toll-free number to request that forms be mailed to you.

Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC)
www.accesstobenefits.org

The Access to Benefits Coalition provides information to Medicare beneficiaries about additional programs that may benefit them. Through the Web site, you can determine if you may qualify for additional Medicare programs. You can also print out worksheets that will help you apply for these programs.

National Organization for Rare Disorders
www.rarediseases.org

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-800-999-6673
TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers: (203) 797-9590

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a nonprofit group of health organizations that work with people who have rare diseases. The Web site has information about many diseases, links to other organizations and a newsletter. NORD also sponsors a medication assistance program for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
www.pparx.org

Phone: 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669)

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is an organization of pharmaceutical companies, doctors, health care providers, patient advocacy groups and community organizations. PPA helps uninsured or underinsured individuals to find programs that offer free or nearly free prescription medicines. You can also print applications for the programs for which you qualify. Information on the site is available in Spanish.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
www.hhs.gov

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-877-696-6775, or see the Web site for a directory of phone numbers for different programs or concerns.

The Department of Health and Human Services is the agency that oversees federal health and safety programs, including income assistance, health care and insurance programs for children and families. Information is available on the Web site regarding Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other medical and financial aid programs for low-income individuals and families.

Insure Kids Now!
www.insurekidsnow.gov

Phone: 1-877-543-7669

Insure Kids Now! Is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide health insurance coverage for infants, children and teens. The insurance is available in each state to children in working families, including those with a variety of immigration status in the family. For little or no cost, this insurance pays for doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospitalizations and more. Phone the program or go to the Web site for Insure Kids Now! for contact information for the programs in each state.

ClinicalTrials.gov
www.clinicaltrials.gov

A service of the National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov is a Web site that provides patients, family members, and members of the public easy and free access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. They also provide information about what clinical trials are, how they work, and how to find one for your condition. Contact information for each clinical trial is provided, as well as a glossary of terms and links to related Web sites.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
www.va.gov

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers: 1-800-829-4833

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs oversees benefits to nearly 25 million men and women who have served in the military during wars or official periods of conflict. If you are a veteran or the spouse or child of a veteran, you can contact this agency for information about your benefits. The Web site has information about health services, pharmacy benefits, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, employment resources, compensation, pensions and more. Some information on the site is available in Spanish.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov

Email: Send an email through the Web site.
Phone: 1-877-FTC HELP (1-800-382-4357)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the governmental agency that oversees many consumer protection issues, including credit reporting, identity theft, fair debt collection processes and other credit issues. The FTC Web site provides information on a variety of subjects, including buying a car, investing, preventing identity theft, choosing a credit card, and managing credit problems. Through the site, you can also file a complaint about a business transaction or report identity theft. Current information about filing for bankruptcy, dealing with creditors and repairing your credit history is also provided. Information on the site is available in Spanish.

Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org

Email: Send email through the Web site.
Phone: (703) 276-0100

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization that promotes consumer and business education. Through the Web site, you can check a company’s record with the Better Business Bureau and see if any consumer complaints have been filed against the business. You can also find information about consumer protection laws and tips on choosing a business or service provider. If you have a problem with a business, you can contact the Better Business Bureau to request dispute resolution or file a complaint.

Health Resources and Services Administration
www.hrsa.gov

The Health Resources and Services Administration is a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through this site you can find community health centers that provide health care services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, and hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities that provide free or reduced cost care under the Hill-Burton Program. Links are provided to sites that offer information about Medicare, Medicaid, State Children’s Health Insurance and other government programs.

RxAssist
www.rxassist.org

Email: info@rxassist.org
Phone: (401) 729-3284

RxAssist is a pharmaceutical access information center created by Volunteers in Health Care (VIH), a national resource center for safety net organizations. VIH operates out of the Brown University Center for Primary Care and Prevention, based at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. RxAssist offers a database of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs and extensive resources on using and understanding these programs. Staff will provide a national perspective on pharmaceutical access issues and strategies.

NeedyMeds.com
www.needymeds.com

Email: Send email through the Web site.

NeedyMeds is a nonprofit organization that helps people who cannot afford medicine or healthcare costs. This program provides links to resources as well as information about patient assistance programs, government programs and other resources. The Web site also provides articles of interest, such as safety updates as well as information related to Medicaid and Medicare Part D.