Navigating Breast Cancer
At Pink Fund, we understand that navigating the practical and financial challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. We are committed to supporting breast cancer patients in active treatment, and we want to ensure that you have access to the resources and assistance you need during this difficult time. Below is a curated list of additional resources and a guide to financially navigating breast cancer.
(Website: Cancer Care)
Cancer Care provides limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays. Additionally, their professional oncology social workers can assist you in identifying and accessing additional resources that may be available to you.
(Website: Dollar For)
Patients being treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers may have the opportunity to have their medical debt wiped clean through Dollar For. This organization offers financial relief to those who qualify, helping to ease the financial strain of medical expenses.
(Website: Greenpath Financial)
Greenpath Financial offers financial counseling and debt management services. Their expert guidance can assist you in managing your finances and developing strategies to address any financial challenges that may arise during your cancer journey.
(Website: My Healthcare Finances):
My Healthcare Finances is a valuable resource for information related to health insurance, medical bills, employment, disability, and other financial aspects of cancer treatment. They provide insights and guidance to help you navigate the complex world of healthcare finances.
(Website: PAN Foundation)
The PAN Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals with serious illnesses, including breast cancer, to help cover out-of-pocket treatment costs. Their support aims to improve your quality of life by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with treatment.
(Website: Triage Cancer)
Triage Cancer offers free education on the practical and legal issues that may arise after a cancer diagnosis. Their resources can help you better understand your rights and options when it comes to healthcare, insurance, and employment matters.
Pink Fund’s guide to financially navigating breast cancer
30–50% of breast cancer patients report experiencing financial stress due to their diagnosis and treatment plan. Follow these first steps to help reduce some of the financial barriers from diagnosis through treatment to recovery.
Questions to Ask
- What is my treatment plan, timeline and projected costs?
- Who can I talk to about what my insurance will cover?
- Will I need to take time off work for treatment?
- Can I schedule my treatment around my work schedule?
- Will I need a caregiver with me?
- What are the various tests available to me that can help guide my treatment plan?
*Certain genomic tests can measure the risk of recurrence and may result in a less invasive treatment that won’t be as likely to affect your ability to work.
Know Your Care Team
- Social workers help you make decisions about your cancer care, cope with difficult emotions and find financial resources.
- Patient and Nurse Navigators help you schedule your appointments, find transportation, talk with your doctors and connect you with additional resources.
- Financial Counselors help identify financial assistance, talk with your insurance company and determine out-of-pocket costs.
Always consult with your oncologist.
Stay Informed
- Explore payment plans for large bills to make monthly expenses manageable.
- Ask your healthcare provider about payment plans to manage medical expenses.
- Review your employer’s sick leave policy.
- Understand your insurance coverage to know your deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Join breast cancer support networks to learn more about available resources.
- Sign up for Pink Fund’s monthly newsletter to stay informed and follow us on social media.