Programs and Resources to Help With Cancer-related Expenses

Cancer can bring more than medical challenges. There can be many expenses related to the costs of cancer treatment and care. Daily costs for transportation, lodging, food, and mortgage payments don’t stop during this time. Resources and support are available to help. There are options that can help you manage these expenses.

Expenses during cancer care

Cancer and its treatment or side effects can impact your ability to work. You and your family members may need time off for appointments, treatments, and recovery. This can lead to a loss of all or part of your salary.

You might need extra help to manage the costs of cancer care. Knowing what kind of help to ask for, or how to ask, can feel overwhelming. But help is available. There are resources to help with some of these costs.

Learn more about Working During Cancer Treatment.

Talk with your cancer care team about your concerns. They can help connect you with a social worker or patient navigator. This person can help you with resources for healthcare costs, transportation, lodging, food and other needs.

Government programs

If you cannot work, you might qualify for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These programs provide financial support for people who can’t work because of medical conditions such as cancer. Cancer is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Help with healthcare costs

Some healthcare facilities provide free or low-cost health services. The Hill-Burton Program lists facilities that you can call to check if they have services that might help you. The services may be limited and vary for each area. Learn more at Hill-Burton facilities.

The America’s Essential Hospitals group provides a list of healthcare facilities that are members. You can search for a facility near you that may offer low-cost services. To learn more, contact the facility.

Additional resources for immigrants

If you are an immigrant, you may find legal help for you and your family at lawhelp.org and Immigration Advocates Network. Marketplace health insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, or special state programs may be available to you. These programs vary by the state you live in. Learn more about health coverage for immigrants.

Help with short-term housing near treatment

Some people with cancer may need to travel for treatment. Many cancer treatment centers offer short-term housing programs or discounted rates with nearby hotels. There may also be free or low-cost housing near the hospital or clinic.

Ask your social worker, patient navigator, or oncology nurse about options that may be available for you. They may help guide you to programs that fit your needs.

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge® offers families a free place to stay when cancer treatment is given a certain distance from home. Contact us to find out if there’s a Hope Lodge location near your treatment center.

Extended Stay America has partnered with the American Cancer Society to offer discounted rooms for people who must be away from home for cancer treatment. Find out more about this program.

Healthcare Hospitality Network is a group of nearly 200 non-profit organizations across the US. They provide free or low-cost lodging to families getting medical treatment far from home. You can search online to find a location near your treatment center.

Ronald McDonald House provides housing for families of children with cancer who must travel to a pediatric center for treatment. They provide low-cost or free housing for patients and their immediate families or any family with a seriously ill child.

To stay at a Ronald McDonald House, families usually need a referral from medical staff or social workers at the treatment center. Ask your care team’s social worker or nurse for help. Or you can contact Ronald McDonald House Charities at 1-630-623-7048 or go to their website to learn more about locations and requirements to stay.

If you have Medicaid, check with your state Medicaid provider to see if it offers lodging assistance. Some Medicaid plans cover the cost of short-term housing during cancer treatment. Coverage varies by state, so it’s important to ask about what services you may qualify for and how to get started.

If you’re a veteran, there may be programs available to help you with transportation to and from cancer treatments. These resources can include travel benefits, mileage reimbursement, and rides to medical appointments. Learn more about options available to veterans for travel and lodging.

Help with caregiver expenses

Some states offer direct pay to caregivers through Cash and Counseling Programs. These programs vary by state and are often part of Medicaid services. To find out what’s available where you live, contact your local Medicaid office, social services agent, or health department. The US Department of Veterans Affairs also offers programs that may provide payments for caregivers.

Help with rent or mortgage payments

The costs of cancer care or a loss of family income can make it hard to keep up with mortgage or rent payments. Many lenders or landlords might be willing to work out a payment plan if they understand your situation. Contact your landlord or lender early in the treatment process for help to protect your housing and credit.

You may also consider asking family, friends, or members of your community for short-term help. Your cancer care team’s social worker or patient navigator can help connect you with resources.

If you are not able to stay in your home, contact your local social services to ask about low-cost or government-supported housing programs. These programs vary by state and may be listed under social or community services.

Help with transportation costs

Many national, state, and local organizations and programs may offer transportation or help with travel expenses.

Help with food costs

Some government programs can help with food or food costs for people who need it. Some of these programs are supported by the US Department of Agriculture. They are run through state agencies. Some programs serve different groups of people, such as children and older adults. And they may offer help with food in different ways.

You may qualify for more than one program at the same time. To learn more about these programs, contact the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479. To speak to someone in Spanish, call 1-877-842-6273. Or you can visit their website.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a federal program that helps people with certain incomes buy food. It provides people with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.

To apply or get more information about SNAP, contact your state or local health department, your social services department, or call 1-800-221-5689 to get the local number.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels America is a program that provides ready-to-eat meals for people who are disabled, homebound, or elderly. Food is delivered to your home by volunteers. Costs and program access may vary depending on your age and where you live. Contact Meals on Wheels at 1-888-998-6325 or look at their website at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Faith-based groups

Some faith-based groups may also be a good resource for food. They may have food pantries or other assistance for people who need help with food or food costs.

Help finding and paying for dental care

Some people with cancer may need dental care before starting treatment. Dental care needs can range from a routine exam and cleaning to treating infections or removing unhealthy teeth.

If you don’t have dental insurance or your insurance only covers part of the cost, there are several ways to find help.

NeedyMeds offers a database of dental clinics that offer free or low-cost dental care or care based on your ability to pay.

Your cancer team’s social worker may know about local dental programs, including those offered by your state or local health department.

The US Department of Health and Human Services links to low-cost dental care providers, such as: community health centers, Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP. They also link to Veterans Affairs services and dental schools that may provide low-cost dental services.

Other resources, like Findhelp.org can help you search for dental resources in your area.

Help with other expenses

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a state-funded grant program that provides short-term help for people with low incomes. It may help with monthly payments to help pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, phone, medical supplies and other important needs. Some programs offer training and jobs for the people in the programs.

A social worker can tell you about your state’s plan or contact your local health or social services department. You can also visit their website.

Help with internet access

Some internet providers may offer low-cost plans or assistance programs for services. If you don’t have internet access, you may want to see if your local public library offers free use of their computers and free internet access. Library staff or volunteers can help find information.

Contact the American Cancer Society

You can also get help from the American Cancer Society through our toll-free phone line. We provide numbers so that people without internet access can learn about other organizations and ask about services. You can reach us at 1-800-227-2345 any time of day or night. We’re here when you need us.

Need more information?

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center/Eldercare Locator
Toll-free number: 1-888-589-6821
Website: www.nadtc.org

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Toll-free number: 1-800-677-1116
Website: www.n4a.org

National Hunger Hotline
Toll-free number: 1-866-348-6479
For Spanish: 1-877-842-6273
Website: www.whyhunger.org

United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems
Call 211 to find out if help is available in your area.
Website: www.211.org

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
Toll-free number: 1-888-641-8722
Website: www.usac.org