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Cancer – Help for the Uninsured

[Announcer] This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people.

Welcome to Ask CDC, the weekly podcast that answers your questions. I'm your host, Susan Laird.

Our question this week is from someone who has no health insurance just found out he has cancer.

Cancer creates heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. For people who don't have health insurance or who need financial assistance to cover health care costs, resources are available, including government-sponsored programs and services supported by non-profit organizations.

The best place to start a search for cancer services near where you live is with your state and/or local health department. Support groups are often listed in local papers.

Cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns they may have about health care costs with their doctor, a medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.

The National Cancer Institute website has a list of organizations and agencies that may be able to help with health care costs. Go to www.cancer.gov and search for "Financial Assistance."

Patient assistance programs are offered by some pharmaceutical companies to help pay for medications. To learn about whether a specific drug might be available at reduced cost through such a program, talk with your doctor or a medical social worker or visit the drug manufacturer's website. Most drug companies will have a section called "Patient Assistance Programs" on their website.

For more information about cancer, go to www.cdc.gov/cancer OR call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Thanks for listening. To submit your question to Ask CDC, email us at askcdc@cdc.gov.

[Announcer] For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.