Help for the Uninsured

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 or local health department. Support groups are often listed in local newspapers.

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 has a list of organizations and agencies that may be able to help with health care costs at Financial Assistance and Other Resources for People with Cancer.

Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs 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 Web site and look for Patient Assistance Programs.