[Joy]

Some free resources for cancer patients

by Joy on Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:12 am

Hi everyone,
Maybe many of you already know about this but I thought I would post it just in case.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will give you $100 because you have myeloma. Here is a link to the application.

http://www.lls.org/content/nationalcontent/resourcecenter/pdf/pfaapplication_english_bw.pdf

I was told by a woman at the Cancer Society that this $100 is for everyone with myeloma but the additional assistance requires proof that you are in financial need. I haven't applied yet so I can't verify this personally but it looks like the application doesn't require proof of need. It's supposed to help with co-pays, etc.

Here's another link to them.

http://www.lls.org/#/diseaseinformation/getinformationsupport/financialmatters/patientfinancialaid/

Also, for women, there is a program called Look Good Feel Better. They provide make-up and hair/wig/scarf lessons. It's free for cancer patients and you can be in any stage of treatment - with or without hair. I'm told that you receive $200-$300 worth of new cosmetics when you attend. Here is a link.

http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/programs

I also just learned that health insurance providers have to reimburse something for wigs if you lose your hair due to cancer. You need to have your doctor write a prescription for the wig and submit the proper paperwork. I think the reimbursement is in the neighborhood of $300, but call your insurance to find out more.

If you go to cancer.org there are other benefits including free transportation to appointments.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery

This could be helpful if family members are working and you don't feel capable of driving. I'm told that a 72 hour notice is usually necessary and that all drivers are trained and background checked.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery

I hope something here helps.
Joy

[NStewart]

Re: Some free resources for cancer patients

by NStewart on Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:41 am

Joy-
Thank you for all of your links. I used the Look Good Feel Good program right before my ASCT. It was a wonderful experience and lots of fun. The women who were in the group with me became friends and we have kept in touch since then. You receive lots of good information on how to use makeup and lots of free body care products. It is a program run by the American Cancer Society and they usually have groups at cancer centers and at places like the Cancer Support Community.

One of the comments that you made about insurance and wigs isn't necessarily true. You have to read your insurance policy to see what it covers and what it doesn't cover. My policy specifically states that it doesn't cover the cost of wigs. It is important that each of us pays attention to the details of our insurance policies.

Nancy in Phila

[Joy]

Re: Some free resources for cancer patients

by Joy on Mon Jul 22, 2013 6:07 pm

Hi Nancy,
Thanks for correcting that. I had seen something that said it was a new law but now I can't find where I saw it. I have Blue Cross and they do reimburse. That's very good advice to contact your insurance company first. Sorry for any misinformation.

[Obayan]

Re: Some free resources for cancer patients

by Obayan on Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:38 pm

Also check out these....

http://www.cdfund.org/Patient-Assistance.aspx
Chronic Disease Fund

http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer/managing-cost-cancer-care
Cancer Care

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/financial_assistance.htm

https://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs
prescription assistance

http://www.themmrf.org/living-with-multiple-myeloma/additional-resources/
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

http://www.1uponcancer.com/freebies-and-discounts-for-cancer-patients/
Freebies and discounts for cancer patients

And this last one is a Myeloma manager. It is wonderful for helping to keep track of your cancer. It's from the IMF.
http://myeloma.org/ArticlePage.action?tabId=0&menuId=0&articleId=2316&aTab=-1&tBack&tDisplayBack=true

[StandingTall]

Re: Some free resources for cancer patients

by StandingTall on Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:34 am

Thanks Obayan ... cancer.net had lots of helpful info.