Medical expenses

Stardust1
Stardust1 Member Posts: 44
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I see on a site, that people with NSLC IV have years of chemo, radiation. Can a person on medicare manage all the bills if they aren't rich. Will they stop the medical care if you don't pay, or are their organizations that will help so you can go on fighting this disease.

Comments

  • jagged
    jagged Member Posts: 55
    #2
    I can't speak about all organizations, but here, Washington, at the radiation oncology place, they have a free social worker dedicated to finding funds for those who need the help. The Dr and nurses always ask if help is needed, phycological, financial, . . .
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #3
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/financial-resources

    This site is put up by the National Institute of Health or some such, and is government-supported. TereB has responded in other discussion areas with some excellent suggestions, and they may apply for you as well. I am taking the liberty of copying and pasting them as well:

    Cancer Care, a non-profit org., offers free support and counseling for cancer patients by oncology social workers. They have face-to-face counseling and counceling on the phone. Support groups on the phone are available too and are moderated by an oncology social worker. Call 800-813-HOPE. They can also give you info about financial resources. Check their website: www.cancercare.org

    Gilda's Club - www.gildasclub.org - they offer free social and emotional support. Not sure if they may have financial information but check it out just in case.

    Live Strong - www.livestrong.org - offers one-on-one support.

    American Cancer Society (here) can also give you financial, support, etc. information available in different cities.
  • Stardust1
    Stardust1 Member Posts: 44
    #4
    jagged said:

    I can't speak about all organizations, but here, Washington, at the radiation oncology place, they have a free social worker dedicated to finding funds for those who need the help. The Dr and nurses always ask if help is needed, phycological, financial, . . .

    Good to hear from you jagged,and thank you for the information. I will look into what you said.
    God Bless and Take Care
  • Stardust1
    Stardust1 Member Posts: 44
    #5
    soccerfreaks said:

    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/financial-resources

    This site is put up by the National Institute of Health or some such, and is government-supported. TereB has responded in other discussion areas with some excellent suggestions, and they may apply for you as well. I am taking the liberty of copying and pasting them as well:

    Cancer Care, a non-profit org., offers free support and counseling for cancer patients by oncology social workers. They have face-to-face counseling and counceling on the phone. Support groups on the phone are available too and are moderated by an oncology social worker. Call 800-813-HOPE. They can also give you info about financial resources. Check their website: www.cancercare.org

    Gilda's Club - www.gildasclub.org - they offer free social and emotional support. Not sure if they may have financial information but check it out just in case.

    Live Strong - www.livestrong.org - offers one-on-one support.

    American Cancer Society (here) can also give you financial, support, etc. information available in different cities.

    Soccerfreaks, thank you for the sites I will look into them. I appreciate all the information from you. And please take care and God Bless.
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #6
    Stardust1 said:

    Soccerfreaks, thank you for the sites I will look into them. I appreciate all the information from you. And please take care and God Bless.

    Can your sister call her medicare office to ask them? Also, if funds are getting tight (or may if the future), has she explored ways to get a dollar to go further in general? Our community has a special food program where any individual can buy 2 weeks of food for $30. It is a food bank manned through the churches throughout the state. Social Services can sometimes find housing for senior citizens and folks on disability. There are food stamp programs. Sometimes there are volunteer programs or public transport options that will provide transport to and from appointments. Different communities offer different services. A good social worker can help set up something and make sense of the maze of opportunities and regulations.
  • Stardust1
    Stardust1 Member Posts: 44
    #7
    cabbott said:

    Can your sister call her medicare office to ask them? Also, if funds are getting tight (or may if the future), has she explored ways to get a dollar to go further in general? Our community has a special food program where any individual can buy 2 weeks of food for $30. It is a food bank manned through the churches throughout the state. Social Services can sometimes find housing for senior citizens and folks on disability. There are food stamp programs. Sometimes there are volunteer programs or public transport options that will provide transport to and from appointments. Different communities offer different services. A good social worker can help set up something and make sense of the maze of opportunities and regulations.

    Cabbott, thank you so much for the information. I will look into it for my sister. God Bless and Take Care.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #8
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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