How To Get What You Need for Free

By Nancy Hassett Dahm
Author of Mind, Body, and Soul; a Guide to Living with Cancer

They say there are no free lunches. Well how about free medications, free travel to clinical trials and treatment centers? Perhaps youíre interested in free counseling, medical supplies, or a wig? Free lunch? You can get a free lunch, but why not get what matters most- assistance with your care? It is difficult enough to have been diagnosed with cancer. Financing your care may be just as difficult.

Coping with cancer is a multi-dimensional problem that has interdependent variables. You need to reduce your stress if you expect to be able to function normally. The stress of not being able to afford medications, supplies, or care at home, can be a daunting challenge. Yet millions of people are going through the hardships of trying to make ends meet while going through the cancer experience.

Letís get right to it then, shall we? Yes, Virginia, you can get a free lunch and a whole lot more != if you know where to look and if you qualify. Iíve done some of the research for you. Because many of you need different resources, there is something for everyone.

Free/Low Cost Medications- For those of you who do not have a prescription plan through your insurance, this will be very helpful. The Senate has a committee called the Special Committee on Aging. They have a publication entitled ìThe Guide to Low Income Medication Assistance Programsî. The guide lists drug manufacturers who offer people with low incomes, the opportunity of receiving medications at no cost. Each drug manufacturer has established itís own eligibility criteria, but in general, if a person has an annual income of under $25,000 or up to $40,000 (depending on the manufacturerís eligibility criteria), then that person would qualify if they do not have prescription plan coverage. There are hundreds of medications listed. You donít have to be a senior citizen to receive these benefits. You can access this program by visiting www.needymeds.com or write to: United States Senate, Special Committee on Aging, Washington, DC 20510-6400 and request the guide. Another listing is www.phrma.org, which lists links to the manufacturers patient assistance programs, a link to Medicare and more. There are low cost prescription plans as well. One such plan is called Preferred RXô. This is a small premium drug plan program for those who do not have a drug program insurance plan. The benefits are listed as a low yearly fee of $20.00 (covers all dependents), discounts of up to 40% off national average medication prices, mail service, financial hardship waivers, and a plan for those who already have a drug program insurance plan. They can be reached at 1-800-677-4324.

Free Travel to Clinical Trials/Treatments - There is a plethora of help on the wings of angels in our skies. Too many to list here, but the once source to see it all is at www.aircareall.org. This stands for Air Care Alliance Organization. Their toll free number is 888-260-9707. Their website lists the many organizations that provide free air travel for patients enrolled in clinical trials, or are receiving medical treatment at an approved cancer center. One such charitable organization is the Corporate Angel Network (www.corporateangelnetwork.org); toll free number is 866-328-1313.Thanks to the donations of over 500 American corporations, they arrange free air transportation for cancer patients and a companion, using empty seats on corporate jets. There are some restrictions, such as a patient must not need oxygen, or have an IV, or need other forms of life support during flight. The listings at Air Care Alliance are invaluable to patients who need to get to a distant city somewhere in the United States for their treatment.

Free Counseling/Support != There are literately hundreds of support organizations, some offering more than others. Even if you are the ìshy typeî, I recommend that you utilize their valuable assistance.Assistance varies and each group is unique. The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations has chapters all over the country. Most offer educational materials, free newsletters, listings of other links and more resources. Some offer a personalized approach to well being, such as meditation, peer support, activities, and group meetings, where people can share their experiences with one another.

Y-Me is a cancer support organization with many chapters around the country. It provides information, education, counseling, free wigs, and prostheses for women with financial need if correct size is available and will ship for a small handling fee. You can call them at (800) 221-2141.

I recently gave a lecture at the Wellness Community Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was astounded at the depth and scope of their free services to cancer patients. There was music, a library with computers, a tai chi exercise class in progress, counseling rooms and people were smiling, laughing, and just being with their friends. It is a very pleasing, soulful place. There are 21 Wellness Community Centers in the country, but we need more. We need a counseling and support center in every town in the country. Find the support organization that is right for your needs. There are over a hundred forms of cancer. I have found a support organization for almost all of the cancers that I searched for. For example, if you wanted to know where to find a support group for lung cancer, you would type the words lung cancer support groups, or lung cancer support in your computerís search box. Up will come all the information and listings you need. The same is true for all the other forms of cancer.

Patient Care Supplies - Cancer Fund of America, Inc. is a nation-wide patient assistance program with headquarters in Delaware.The only qualifying criteria are that the person seeking assistance has cancer. Their website is www.cfoa.org. You can call them at 1-800-578-5284. They can supply no-cost items such as liquid supplements, dressings, fans, crutches, incontinence supplies, food items, skin care items, toys for kids, and much more. All items are shipped pre-paid without cost to the patient. All you need to do is complete the half-page application form. Your physician or a registered nurse completes the other half. If you qualify (have a diagnosis of cancer), you can have an indefinite supply of the needed items.

You have been given enough information to get some needed respite from the financial drain of cancer care. Really, all care is expensive. There is one way around it. Use this article as a starting point to help you get what you need for free, or at least at low cost. There are more agencies and organizations that are helping people like you. You can visit www.cancerbook.com for more resource information. Use them-youíre entitled to it!