NCCN Member Institutions

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers. We are dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to people with cancer.

Find a Member Institution

Member Institution Spotlight

NCCN.com NCCN.com



Paying for Cancer Treatment Print E-mail

Insurance Guidance

♦ Health insurance and you: learning the basics

♦ Private payors: what you need to know

♦ Buying an individual health insurance policy when you've had cancer

♦ Choosing an employer-sponsored health insurance plan

♦ Public health insurance: get the scoop on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicaid

♦ COBRA: what cancer patients need to know

You may not realize that financial assistance for cancer treatment and other services is available to people at various income levels and in many situations. Unfortunately, many service providers do not have the means to promote their services, and many cancer patients and families are unaware of the available resources.

Finding and keeping affordable health insurance is critical if you have cancer, have had cancer, or have a family member with the disease (see Insurance Guidance in box at right). Even with the best insurance coverage, you will likely be responsible for deductibles, co-payments, hospital bed rentals, some at-home nursing care, certain medications, and some services.

If you don't have insurance or adequate insurance, you probably need help tracking down government and private sources of assistance. Get started by contacting the social work department at the hospital where you are receiving care. 

Planning

 

 

 
 
NCCN.com Thanks Our Supporters:

Ask Jai

Advice For Caregivers


The latest Ask Jai:

Dear Jai: My wife has pancreatic cancer. Her visitors are coming less and less. What can I do?
For the answer, click here.
Jai Pausch became a caregiver for her husband, Randy, during his 23-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Using her experiences to help others, Jai has written about the unique challenges caregivers face, dealing with loss, and creating a new life from shattered dreams. Her book, Dreaming New Dreams, will be published by Crown Publishing Group and is due out May 15, 2012. Currently, Jai is a writer, speaker and advocate for caregivers. She actively participates with several cancer organizations and serves as a board member for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the NCCN Foundation. She lives with her new husband and three children in southern Virginia.
To hear Jai Pausch speak more about her experience and the "Ask Jai" column, watch this video.
Have a concern or question to share? Email Jai at askjai@nccn.org.
(See disclaimer.)