Health insurance is available to pay for the costs of many types of illnesses including the costs associated with cancer. When an individual is diagnosed with the disease and does not have health insurance he will face enormous costs when attempting to get treatment. As a result individuals may need to seek out financial help to assist with treatment costs and other expenses. Luckily, there are governmental agencies, programs and organizations that are available to help.
Medicare
Individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer and currently have no insurance may qualify for Medicare. Medicare is available for individuals who are over the age of 65, have permanent kidney failure regardless of age or a disabled person under the age of 65. Medicare Part B covers payments for medical services such as diagnostic studies and physician services. Screening exams for certain types of cancer are also covered.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program that is administered by the states but funded by the federal government. Individuals can apply for the program that need help financially for their medical expenses. Eligibility for the program depends on the specific income levels that are determined by each state. Treatment for coverage for women with breast or cervical cancer is provided by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act.
Hill-Burton
Hospitals in all states can receive funds from federal programs such as Hill-Burton that can be used for construction and modernization. Certain services are required, by federal law, to be offered by hospitals that receive funds for the Hill-Burton program. Hospitals are required to provide a reasonable amount of services to individuals that cannot afford to pay for hospital stays. Services also need to be made available to everyone that lives within a hospital's area.
Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration of VHA offers a cancer program that is available to everyone who belongs to the veterans health care system. The program provides access to various services for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Veterans who are eligible and any of their dependents can receive cancer treatments at any VA hospital or medical center.
CancerCare
Individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer and do not have insurance may be able to find financial help from nonprofit agencies such as CancerCare. This is a national agency that individuals with cancer can use that offers free support, information, practical help and financial assistance. When an individual applies for assistance, financial help is provided in the form of grants that can pay the expenses for certain types of treatments.
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