Information and resources for treatment and insurance issues
For a short article with general information on insurance issues for cancer survivors, go to the Cancer Survivors Project site.
The Patient Advocate Foundation seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation, assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability. It can serve as a liaison between patients and their insurers to resolve issues and can help with appealing an insurance denial.
The National Health Law Program is a public interest law firm that seeks to improve health care for America's working and unemployed poor, minorities, the elderly and people with disabilities. It does not take individual cases but does offer referral services and has extensive information on a multitude of topics, from Medicaid, children's health and managed care to civil rights, disabilities, the uninsured and state, regional and federal advocacy, especially as they relate to health care.
The Cancer Legal Resource Center -- 866-843-2572 -- provides free and confidential information about laws relevant to your particular situation and cancer-related legal resources to people with cancer, their families, friends, employers, healthcare professionals, and others coping with cancer.
Family Voices is a national grassroots network of families and friends that advocates for healthcare services and provides information for families with children and youth with special health care needs.
The Special Needs Advocate For Parents is an organization that strives to improve the quality of life for children of all ages who have special needs by serving as a resource for information, education, advocacy and referrals.
Needy Meds does not supply medications or financial assistance but is a useful source for information about financial resources to help pay for medications and other healthcare expenses.
For information and resources about medications and patient assistance programs (PAPs) that offer free medications, go to Rx Assist Patient Assistance Program Center for the most current and comprehensive directory of PAPs as well as practical tools, news, and articles.
Patient Services Incorporated -- 800-366-7741 -- offers help paying for insurance premiums and prescription co-pays to persons with chronic medical illnesses based upon the severity of need.
The First Hand Foundation helps families who cannot afford to meet the medical needs of their child(ren) with health problems.
The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation provides financial assistance toward the family's share of the cost of medical services not covered by their commercial health insurance plan. Annual grants of up to $5,000 are available for uncovered expenses.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers links on its website to the commissioner for each state. These offices regulate the insurance industry, educate consumers about different types of insurance and handle consumer complaints.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services operates Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs. This site has information about the programs including a glossary of common terms, a search tool, downloadable forms and related news articles.
Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation site, has more detailed information about pre-existing condition clauses, lapses in coverage and what to look for when you're shopping for a plan and have several options to compare.
