Practical Support Resources

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Medical Leave from Work

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)        www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

FMLA is a federal law that allows for individuals or their family members to take off from work for up to 12 weeks with job and insurance protection due to the patient’s medical condition. FMLA is unpaid time off from work, so some people (depending on the state and their work history) may be eligible for short-term disability benefits. Generic federal forms can be found on the website listed above, but some employers request specific forms to be completed. A patient or family member should ask their job about FMLA benefits and request the needed paperwork.

Temporary Disability

Temporary disability is paid time off from work, typically for up to 6 months, while someone is undergoing medical treatment. Individuals can apply for these short-term benefits in conjunction with FMLA. The best way to see if someone is eligible is for the patient to ask their employer or Human Resource Department about what benefits they are entitled to. There is usually an application that needs to be completed and an oncology social worker can assist with completion.

Paid Caregiver Leave

Some states also will pay caregivers who take time off from work to care for a family member during the cancer treatment. The medical leave is similar to short-term disability benefits, but the application process may be different. Look into local resources to see if paid family leave is an option in your state. Patients can also ask their employer or Human Resource Department if this is an option.

Permanent Disability (Social Security Disability)      www.ssa.gov

If a patient exhausts their short-term disability benefits and are still unable to return to work due to their medical condition, they can apply for long-term benefits. A patient’s eligibility depends on their work history and medical condition. Typically, patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic cancer are likely to be approved. Patients whose treatment course takes longer than 1 year also may be approved. Patients can apply online, by calling 800-772-1213, or going to a local Social Security Administration office.

Insurance

Medicaid    www.medicaid.gov

Medicaid is insurance cover for low-income individuals. There is specific income criteria someone would have to meet to be eligible for Medicaid. The criteria changes varies by state, so please review the criteria for you state to see who may eligible.

Medicare     www.medicare.gov

Medicare is insurance coverage for individuals over age 65 or those who have been on Social Security Disability for 24 months or longer. Applicants can enroll in the Medicare benefits by going to the website or calling

Private Insurance from Employer

Individuals may have private insurance through their job or their spouse’s job.

Health Care Market Place       www.healthcare.gov

If a patient is not eligible for insurance benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, or their job, the patient may be eligible to apply for insurance through the Health Care Market Place.

Charity Care

Charity Care coverage is free or discounted health care that is covered by government funding for patients who meet financial criteria. Many large hospitals have a Financial Services Department who can direct patients to where they can apply for Charity Care.

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

SNAP benefits, formerly known as “food stamps”, are available to people to help with the cost of groceries. Eligibility varies from state-to-state, but benefits are available in all states.

Food Pantries and Food Banks        www.feedingamerica.org

Food pantries and banks provide groceries directly to people at no cost. You can search your area for local services available. You can also reach out to local churches and community centers who also host smaller food pantry events. Some locations may require a referral from the area welfare office to receive food items, so research the criteria in your area.

Meals on Wheels          www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Meals on Wheels are available in most states which is a pre-prepared meal delivery services for senior citizens and sometimes people with disabilities. You can do a local search for services in your area. Some states also have meal delivery services specifically for people with cancer to assist during their treatment process, such as Magnolia Meals at Home, which services some areas of New Jersey (www.magnoliamealsathome.com )

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Education About Cancer Types and Treatment

American Cancer Society   www.cancer.org

American Cancer Society has a wide range of information about various cancer types and recommended treatment explanations.

Oncolink   www.oncolink.org

Oncolink has many resources about different cancer types, treatment, coping, and survivorship.

Child Care

Check with local welfare and Board of Social Services to see what programs exist in your state.

Mom Bomb   www.mombomb.org

Grants available for mothers for support with housekeeping, meals, laundry, and childcare.

Transportation

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery    800-227-2345

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program provides free rides to cancer-related medical appointments. Their trained volunteer drivers can pick you up, bring you to your appointment, and drop you off at home.

Teal Tea Foundation   www.tealtea.org

Transportation funding covers round trip expenses for qualified medical office follow up visits related to cancer treatment up to $500.00 per person per calendar year for women with ovarian or gynecological cancers.

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Fertility Preservation

Livestrong Fertility   www.livestrong.org/how-we-help/livestrong-fertility

Livestrong can help provide information about fertility options and assist with the financial costs of fertility preservation.

Take Charge   www.mycancerfertility.org

Take Charge helps guide people with cancer through fertility options and support.

Miscellaneous

Cleaning Services         www.cleaningforareason.org

Free cleaning services for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Cleaning for a Reason contracts with local cleaning companies to provide up to 2 free cleanings for a patient in need.

Cancer and Careers   www.cancerandcareers.org

Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.

Triage Cancer   www.triagecancer.org

Triage Cancer provides practical and legal support for those during a cancer diagnosis.