If you have cancer, you may be eligible for public health insurance programs that can help cover the costs of cancer care and you may want to explore whether you meet the qualifications. These programs may be confusing at first, but plenty of information and guidance are available on the Web sites below to help you get started finding the right plan for you.

Medicare
Medicare is a federal program funded through the Social Security system. Criteria for eligibility include (1) being at least 65 years of age, (2) having permanent disability (receiving disability benefits from Social Security), or (3) having permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or transplant. Young people with cancer may receive Medicare benefits after collecting Social Security benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program for 2 years. Medicare is divided into 4 parts, A through D, with each part covering different medical services and supplies.

Most Medicare enrollees do not pay a monthly Part A premium, because they (or a spouse) have had 40 or more quarters (10 years) in which they paid Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes. Medicare-eligible persons who do not have 40 or more quarters of Medicare-covered employment may purchase Part A for a monthly premium ranging from $248 to $450. All Part B enrollees must pay a monthly premium ranging from $96 to $238, based on income.

To enroll in Part D, you must first be enrolled in either Part A or Part B. The Prescription Drug Plans are regulated by the Medicare program, but are designed and administered by private health insurance companies. These plans are not standardized and vary greatly in coverage of drugs, type of drugs covered, and level of coverage. You will generally have to pay a monthly premium and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a copayment or coinsurance. Costs vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. However, if you have limited income and resources and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov on the Web.

Medicare has a Prescription Drug Plan finder that will help you determine what plan is best for you.

Medicare Advantage (Part C of Medicare)
 Medicare beneficiaries have the option of receiving Medicare benefits through private health insurance plans, instead of the original Medicare plan (Parts A and B). These plans are called Medicare Advantage plans. Participants still pay their part B premium and possibly a premium to the Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer coverage that meets or exceeds the standards set by the original Medicare program, but they do not have to cover every benefit in the same way. This flexibility allows Medicare Advantage plans to cover supplemental services like prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and gym or health club memberships. Other important distinctions between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare are that Medicare Advantage health plans encourage preventive care and wellness and closely coordinate patient care. If considering a Medicare Advantage plan, remember that you can no longer purchase a Medigap policy, so you should shop around to get a plan that covers your needs.

Medigap
As the name implies, a Medigap plan is supplemental insurance you might purchase to fill the holes that Part A and Part B do not cover. You cannot buy Medigap insurance if you are covered under a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap insurance polices are standardized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but are sold and administered through private companies. There are 12 standard plans, A–L, that vary in price and coverage. The coverage provided is roughly proportional to the premium paid, so more coverage will cost more. You and your spouse must buy separate Medigap policies, because your Medigap policy won't cover any health care costs for him or her.

Medicaid
Medicaid is the health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program (which means that your finances would be checked to determine your eligibility) that is jointly funded by the states and federal governments, and is managed by the states. Among the groups of people served by Medicaid are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Being poor, or even very poor, does not necessarily qualify someone for Medicaid. Since these plans are state run, they vary greatly from state to state.