Resources by Cancer-Related Need

Transcription

1 Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Advocacy / Access to Healthcare I Patient Advocacy Foundation Patient Advocacy Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to help patients through effective medication assuring access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or debilitating diseases. Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Appearance I American Cancer Society For women who are actively in treatment, the American Cancer Society offers through the Look Good, Feel Better program. This program teaches women undergoing cancer treatments special beauty and appearance techniques to help restore one of their most important resources: self-image. This program is available at Touro on a quarterly basis. I Cancer Information I American Cancer Society (ACS) The American Cancer Society provides cancer information whenever, wherever people need it. A specially trained staff is available at their National Cancer Information Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volumes of information are also available online where users can also send in questions via . National Cancer Institute (NCI)

2 Resources by Cancer-Related Need The National Cancer Institute, as an agency of the National Institute of Health (NIH), is responsible for coordinating the National Cancer Program which conducts and supports research, training, information, and other programs that focus on the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, and the continuing care of patients and their families. The NCI website contains a wealth of information on the types of cancer and related topics. Caring4Cancer Caring4Cancer is an excellent resource for finding basic information on a variety of topics related to cancer and cancer treatment. This website offers videos on nutrition and diet as well as other important subjects. Cancer.Net An online, oncologist-approved cancer information resource from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) designed to provide patients and their families with accurate and up-to-date information on types of cancer, diagnosis and treatment, coping, and survivorship. I Childcare I CancerCare CancerCare provides financial assistance with treatment-related childcare expenses. I Dental Services I LSUHSC School of Dentistry Student Dental Clinics 1100 Florida Avenue New Orleans, LA (adults) (children) LSU Dental Services provides low cost dental care to underserved individuals and areas. Predoctoral and graduate dental students provide the care under the supervision of LSUSD faculty. Dental care is not provided free of charge; LSUSD student fees are typically about 50% of the cost of private dental care. 14

3 To become a patient at the LSUSD main clinic, call (504) Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to schedule a screening appointment. Louisiana Public Dental Clinics This website contains a list of public dental clinics in Orleans Parish and other parishes throughout Louisiana. All clinics listed accept Medicaid as a payment option. Contact the individual clinics directly for more information. Donate Dental Services (DDS) Donated Dental Services (DDS) provides people with limited resources and no dental insurance coverage with free dental care. Local dentists donate their time and supplies to those who are in need of basic dental services. There is normally a waiting list and it can take up to several months before an appointment can be made. Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Disability / SSI I Social Security Administration The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration. Only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Social Security Disability Secrets The purpose of this website is to distribute information that, typically, is impossible to get from the person taking your claim for SSD and SSI benefits. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Disability Discrimination The EEOC provides information on patients rights with regard to being unable to work due to disability. 15

4 Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Financial Assistance & Other Resources I National Cancer Institute (NCI) Lists government agencies, organizations, and programs that are available to provide financial assistance and other resource support to cancer patients and their families. CancerCare CancerCare provides a list of resources and information to help patients and families locate co-pay relief and assistance with prescription medication, assistance with treatment-related needs, assistance with benefits and entitlements, and national cancer financial assistance programs. American Cancer Society (ACS) Financial_Assistance_for_the_Cancer_Patient.asp ACS provides helpful information on health insurance and financial assistance for cancer patients and their families. On the webpage, ACS gives recommendations and resources for coping with the financial impact of cancer and cancer treatment. I Handicap Hanging Tag I Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety Office of Motor Vehicles 4AF ?OpenDocument Medical Examiner s Certificate of Mobility Impairment form Any person who is considered to meet the conditions of a mobility impaired person may apply for a handicap hanging tag. The Medical Examiner s Certificate of Mobility Impairment form must be completed by the person s treating physician. 16

5 I Health Insurance Government Programs I Medicaid Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicare Medicare is a federally-funded health insurance program for people age 65 or older, and people under age 65 with certain disabilities. Resources by Cancer-Related Need Veterans Administration (VA) www1.va.gov/cancer/ The Veterans Administration extends healthcare coverage for veterans of the armed services. The VA has special programs for veterans diagnosed with cancer. I Insurance Premiums & Co-payments I Healthwell Foundation The Healthwell Foundation helps individuals lacking resources to pay for insurance co-payments or premiums, and provides financial assistance to cover other out-of-pocket health care costs. Apply online or call for more information on the programs offered by the Healthwell Foundation. 17

6 Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Living Will / Advance Directives I State of Louisiana Advance Directives information State of Louisiana Declaration form Information and forms from the websites listed above can be used to create a written living will or an advance directive. I Lodging Short-term I American Cancer Society Hope Lodge The American Cancer Society s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge is a unique home away from home for those who need warm, caring, no-cost accommodations during their cancer treatment at a New Orleans area medical facility. Space is limited and accommodations must be reserved through the facility where the patient is receiving treatment. I Lymphedema Supplies & Services I LymphaCare LymphaCare is a national provider and resource supplying products and information on Lymphedema. LymphaCare is also a resource for trained lymphedema therapists and clinics in the New Orleans area. I Medical Supplies & Equipment I Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO) or CAGNO is a local organization dedicated to helping cancer patients with the cost of colostomy bags, wheelchair rental, hospital bed rental, bed pads, and other equipment for use at home. 18

7 I Nutrition & Diet I American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society provides information and guidance on nutrition and diet for people undergoing cancer treatment. Caring4Cancer This online organization provides information to help patients with nutritional planning before, during, and after cancer treatment. Caring4Cancer offers a number of web videos on a variety of nutrition-related topics to help patients learn how to better cope with cancer treatment. Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Prescription Medication Free or Discounted I Needy Meds Needy Meds is an online website that lists assistance programs for over 2,500 medications. The program requirements and application forms for each medication can be accessed through this single website. Upon approval, the medication is sent either directly to the patient or to his/her physician. Partnership for Prescription Assistance The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is an organization that helps individuals locate prescription medication assistance programs. Once approved, the medication is sent either directly to the patient or to his/her physician. Patient Access Network Foundation The Patient Access Network covers the cost of selected prescription medications. Call the toll-free number for more information on eligibility requirements and on how to complete the application process. 19

8 Resources by Cancer-Related Need Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage was set up to help people with Medicare pay for their prescription drugs. Medicare has contracts with private insurance companies who offer prescription drug plans. Each company has set up its own plan and people with Medicare can choose whether or not they want to join a plan. Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO) or CAGNO is a local organization dedicated to helping cancer patients with the cost of prescription pain and treatment medications. LouisianaSenioRx This program is designed to help qualifying senior citizens in Louisiana locate pharmaceutical aid programs for free or discounted medication. An online form is used to determine eligibility. I Prescription Medication Co-payments I Patient Advocate Foundation The Patient Advocate Foundation helps individuals with certain diagnoses pay the co-payment for prescription medication. Call to speak with a representative for information and eligibility requirements. CancerCare The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation is a non-profit organization established to help individual who cannot afford their insurance co-payments to cover the cost of medications for treating cancer. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Co-pay Assistance Program

9 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides supplementary financial assistance to patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or one of the other blood-related cancers and experiencing financial difficulty. The Patient Co-pay Assistance Program reimburses patients for co-payments related to prescription medication. I Prostheses I American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society offers help by providing women who are actively in breast cancer treatment with a prosthetic device at no cost. Call their toll-free number to schedule an appointment with a trained ACS representative to be fitted for a prosthesis. A list of retailers and manufacturers is available on the ACS website. Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Support for Patients I I Individual, Couples, and Family Counseling Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center 1401 Foucher Street New Orleans, LA The Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center was created to support cancer patients receiving treatment at Touro Infirmary. One of the services available to patients is supportive counseling offered in individual, couple, and family formats. Fees charged are based on the patient s ability to pay. Trinity Counseling Center 2108 Coliseum Street New Orleans, LA Trinity Counseling and Training Center provides high-quality counseling services to its clients through the donated services of mental health professionals. Counseling services are offered to individuals, couples, families and children. Reasonable fees are based on a sliding scale. No one is denied care based on inability to pay. Therapists are trained to help clients with a variety of issues including trauma and grief. 21

10 Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Peer support American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Through the Reach-to-Recovery program, the American Cancer Society offers peer-to-peer support to breast cancer patients and survivors. Call the American Cancer Society for more information on this program. Breast Cancer Network of Strength Breast Cancer Network of Strength uniquely provides peer support through YourShoes, a 24/7 breast cancer support center staffed by breast cancer survivors who know first-hand what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone who is facing the disease. Peer counselors at YourShoes help people touched by breast cancer feel the strength and support they need. I Individual counseling by phone Cancer Care Cancer Care offers free individual counseling by phone. Call the toll-free number to speak with an oncology social worker. Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG The Lance Armstrong Foundation through LiveStrong offers emotional support and counseling free of charge for cancer survivors and caregivers via the telephone. Call the toll-free number to talk with a counselor. I Group support by phone Cancer Care Cancer Care offers free weekly telephone group support by cancer site. Call their toll-free number for information and to register. 22

11 I Online support Cancer Care This organization offers free online support for patients and caregivers. Complete the online form to get access to the support group. Susan G. Komen Foundation The Komen Foundation provides forums for online discussion through their Family & Friends message board. Register online through their website to gain access. Resources by Cancer-Related Need I Support for Caregivers I I Individual counseling by phone CancerCare CancerCare has professional oncology social workers who specialize in caregiver concerns provide free one-on-one support via the telephone and Internet. CancerCare serves people with cancer and their loved ones throughout the entire 50 states. I Group support by phone CancerCare CancerCare has professional oncology social workers who specialize in caregiver concerns provide free group support via the telephone and Internet. CancerCare serves people with cancer and their loved ones throughout the entire 50 states. I Resources for Caregivers Cancer Caregiving 23

12 Resources by Cancer-Related Need Cancer Caregiving is a site created for the caregiver. This website offers tools that can help make life a bit easier by helping to manage the difficulties of caring for a loved one with cancer. Strength for Caring This website provides information, tips, and resources on caregiving for a loved one with cancer. Also, there is a message board on which caregivers can share information and receive support. I Survivorship I Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)/LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare LIVESTRONG SuvivorCare offers counseling services, help with financial, employment, or insurance issues and informaation about new treatments in development to all cancer survivors. Call to speak with a case manager or visit the website. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) The mission of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is to advocate for quality cancer care for all Americans. NCCS represents the millions of Americans who share a common experience - the survivorship experience - living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. I Transportation I Medicaid Transportation Medicaid patients who need transportation to a clinic appointment for cancer-related treatment can request assistance. This program covers the cost of transportation. This service is currently available to people living in the following parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard. There are no Medicaid approved transporters currently servicing Plaquemine parish or the city of Kenner. 24

13 New Orleans RTA Paratransit 2817 Canal Street New Orleans, LA The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers curb-to-curb transportation service for persons with disabilities. This Paratransit service uses vans or four-door sedans some equipped with a modern wheelchair lift. Patients interested in this service must complete and submit an eligibility form for certification. Paratransit is a shared-ride service that operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven day a week. Reservations must be made 24- hours in advance, and the fare is $2.00 per one-way trip. MITS Jefferson Transit (JeT) Paratransit Service 3120 Lime Street Metairie, LA Jefferson Transit offers a variety of special services to people with disabilities who live in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Transit Mobility Impaired Transportation System (MITS) paratransit service is a curb-to-curb, shared ride public transportation service for individuals with disabilities. Paratransit fares are $2.00 per ride, and coupons may be purchased from the Mobility Impaired Transportation Service (MITS). Jefferson Transit reviews the application and notifies patient of approval by letter within 21 days. Resources by Cancer-Related Need Cancer Care Assist Cancer Care is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. The cost of transportation to and from clinic visits is one of the basic financial assistance services that Cancer Care provides. Cancer Care has eligibility requirements and if approved, the applicant receives a financial grant to offset transportation costs. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 3636 South I-10 Service Road Suite 304 Metairie, LA The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides supplementary financial assistance to patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or one 25

14 Resources by Cancer-Related Need of the other blood-related cancers and experiencing financial difficulty. The Patient Financial Aid program reimburses patients for transportation related expenses up to $500 per year. Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO) or CAGNO is a local organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. CAGNO s patient services program helps cover the cost of transportation by providing gas cards, car loan payments, and car insurance payments. Cancer patients currently residing in the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa qualify. I Wigs, Scarves, & Headwear I American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society offers help by providing women who are actively in treatment with wigs and prostheses at no cost. Call their toll-free number to schedule an appointment with a trained ACS representative to be fitted for a wig. Soft Hats by Just in Time Soft Hats are specially designed hats, turbans, sleep caps, head wraps, tie backs head scarves and Scarf Pads for cancer patients who experience hair loss due to chemotherapy. All headwear is made of soft, washable 100% cotton and offered in a lighter weight for warmer climates and a heavier weight for cooler climates. Headcovers Unlimited I Headcovers Unlimited specializes in hats, turbans, wigs, and other headwear for hair loss and cancer patients. Every item is designed especially for those with hair loss due to cancer chemotherapy. 26

15 Cancer-Related Resources Phone List American Cancer Society (ACS) American Cancer Society Hope Lodge...(504) Breast Cancer Network of Strength Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO) (504) CancerCare... Donate Dental Services...(504) Headcovers Unlimited Healthwell Foundation Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) (504) LSUHSC School of Dentistry Student Dental Clinics...(504) (adults)...(504) (children) Louisiana SenioRx LymphaCare Medicaid...(504) Medicaid Transportation...(337) Medicare MITS Jefferson Transit (JeT) Paratransit Service...(504) National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer-Related Resources Phone List 41

16 Cancer-Related Resources Phone List Partnership for Prescription Assistance Patient Access Network Foundation Patient Advocacy Foundation Patient Advocate Foundation RTA Paratransit...(225) Social Security Administration Soft Hats by Just in Time...(215) Susan G. Komen Foundation Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center...(504) Trinity Counseling Center...(504) Veterans Administration (VA)