To learn more

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345, and many of these can be read online at www.cancer.org.

Legal, job, and employment rights

What Is COBRA? (also in Spanish)

What Is HIPAA? (also in Spanish)

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (also in Spanish)

Americans With Disabilities Act: Information for People Facing Cancer (also in Spanish)

Health insurance and finances

The Affordable Care Act: How It Helps People With Cancer and Their Families (also in Spanish)

Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Financial and Insurance Issues

Medicare Coverage for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection (also in Spanish)

Medicare Part D: Things People With Cancer May Want To Know

Clinical Trials: State Laws Regarding Insurance Coverage

In Treatment: Financial Guidance for Cancer Survivors and Their Families (also in Spanish)

Off Treatment: Financial Guidance for Cancer Survivors and Their Families

How to Find a Financial Planner Sensitive to Cancer Issues: Financial Guidance for Cancer Survivors and Their Families

Advanced Illness: Financial Guidance for Cancer Survivors and Their Families

Coping With the Loss of a Loved One: Financial Guidance for Families

Can I Be Prepared If Cancer Occurs?: Financial Guidance for Those With Concerns About Cancer

Help with medical treatment

Prescription Drug Assistance (also in Spanish)

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

National organizations and Web sites*

Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support are listed below. Because there are so many sources, some have their full contact information listed in the text rather than here.

Health coverage

Medicaid – US Department of Health and Human Services
Toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227
Web site: www.cms.gov/home/medicaid.asp

To learn more about Medicaid coverage and eligibility. Your state social service or human service agency can give you the best answers to questions about your benefits, eligibility, and fraud. To get contact information for your state go to www.cms.gov/apps/contacts/

Medicare – US Department of Health and Human Services
Toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: www.medicare.gov

Answer questions, provides literature, and gives referrals to state Medicare offices and local HMO’s with Medicare contracts.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Toll-free number: 1-800-827-1000
Web site: www.va.gov

For information on Veteran’s medical benefits and whether you qualify for them
Toll-free number: 1-877-222-8387
Web site: www.va.gov/healtheligibility

Getting help with insurance issues

US Department of Health & Human Services
Web site: www.healthcare.gov

For the most up-to-date information on health care and insurance laws and how they might affect you

Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC)
Toll-free number: 1-866-843-2572 (may need to leave a number for a call back)
Web site: www.cancerlegalresourcecenter.org

Provides free legal information about laws and resources for many cancer-related issues including health insurance issues, denial of benefits, and government benefits

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
Toll-free number: 1- 800-532-5274
Web site: www.patientadvocate.org

Works with the patient and insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt problems related to their diagnosis, with help from case managers, doctors, and attorneys. For cancer patients in treatment or less than 2 years out of treatment

Medicare Rights Center (for those with Medicare)
Toll-free number: 1-800-333-4114
Web site: www.medicarerights.org

This service can help you understand your rights and benefits, work through the Medicare system, and get quality care. They can also help you apply for programs that help reduce your costs for prescription drugs and medical care, and guide you through the appeals process if your Medicare prescription drug plan denies coverage for drugs you need

Your rights at work

US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, Security Administration (EBSA)
Toll-free number: 1-866-444-3272
Web site: www.dol.gov/ebsa

Information on employee benefit laws, including COBRA, FMLA, and HIPAA requirements of employer-based health coverage and self-insured health plans. Also has information on recent changes in health care laws. Information for military reservists who must leave their private employers for active duty can be found at: www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/userra/mainmenu.asp

US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Toll-free number: 1-800-669-4000
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
Web site: www.eeoc.gov

For information on all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies; publications; how to file charges of workplace discrimination; and how to find EEOC offices in your area

Income sources and money management

Social Security Administration (SSA)
Toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Web site: www.socialsecurity.gov

Has general information, qualification criteria, and information about how to apply for program benefits (such as Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income if you cannot work). Makes referrals to local SSA and Medicare/Medicaid offices

TANF and State Health Departments – US Department of Health and Human Services
Toll-free number: 1-877-696-6775
Web site: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/states/stlinks.htm

Provides contact information for each state’s health department, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in your state

Financial Planning Association
Telephone: 1-800-322-4237
Web site: www.fpanet.org

Offers free information on personal finance, answers general financial planning questions, makes referrals to FPA members who are Certified Financial Planners™, and sets up free financial planning services to qualified people and families in need

Internal Revenue Service
Toll-free number: 1-800-829-1040
TTY: 1-800-829-4059
Web site: www.irs.gov

Has answers to tax questions, tax forms, and referrals to free tax help for those who qualify

Other publications*

Landay, David. Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal, and Practical Guide for Living with a Life-challenging Condition. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1998.

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.