Organizations that Help Cancer Patients Financially after Cancer Treatment

It has almost been 4 years since I found out I had with breast cancer.  I had a double mastectomy, reconstruction, and 4 rounds of chemo.  My last chemotherapy infusion was on December 31, 2009.  Unfortunately, the medical bills continue to come in and I’m having a hard time finding financial assistance for breast cancer patients after treatment, so I have been looking for organizations that help cancer patients financially.

Breast Cancer Financial Help After Treatment – Where is the money for cancer patients?

We need financial help for breast cancer patients and other cancer patients

What a lot of people don’t realize is that doctors appointments, medications, and tests do not stop after treatment.  First, I started out with check-ups every 3 months.  Now, I’m on a 6-month schedule.  Because of the chemo, I now have to deal with peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia.  Since I am BRCA 1 positive I need additional tests and scans and a hysterectomy is in my near future.

Also not realized are the increases in medical insurance rates.  My husband is self-employed and our only option for medical insurance COBRA, which costs $1300/month.  Since I am a breast cancer survivor I would not qualify for private insurance, or at least they wouldn’t cover pre-existing conditions.  I cannot afford to take that risk.

Right now, I have $1326.59 in medical bills that I owe just for check-ups and scans in the last few months.  I’ve been trying to find some financial assistance to help with some of my current bills.  I want to know where is the money for cancer patients?

Luckily I was able to find some free stuff for cancer patients.  So, I put together this post, discounts for cancer patients and free stuff for cancer patients.

Cherie,  the inventor of Heal in Comfort, also gives many of the post-mastectomy shirts away to both local and national breast cancer patients.

Foundations and Organizations that are not helping cancer patients after treatment (currently)

If you too are a breast cancer survivor looking for financial assistance after cancer treatment, I will help save you some time.  Here is the list of organizations I have tried already that are not currently helping out breast cancer patients financially after treatment.

Breast Cancer Resource Center, Austin, Texas – only helps patients during treatment.

CancerCare Patient Assistance Foundation – no funds for breast cancer

Texas Wings – only patients currently in treatment

Chronic Disease Fund – full, no new applications

The HealthWell Foundation – no breast cancer funds

Patient Access Network – only cover chemo medication

Patient Services Incorporated – only cover costs of MRI

American Cancer Society – no financial assistance after treatment

Assistance Fund – no funding available

The Care Communities – only for those currently in treatment

Co-pay Relief – only covers medications during treatment