Resources

 Resources

Local Cancer Resources & Information

Social Security Administration
Compassionate Allowances
Automated System: 800-772-1213
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances

Social Security has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. Compassionate allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal objective medical information. Compassionate allowances will allow Social Security to quickly target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that they can obtain quickly.

By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can use their automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day. If you cannot handle your business through their automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Patient Advocate Foundation
800-532-5274
Co-Pay Relief 866-512-3861
http://www.patientadvocate.org

A national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of financial stability. PAF serves as an active liaison between patients and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through professional case managers, doctors and health care attorneys. They may be able to provide some information regarding available aid. They offer many programs and educational opportunities for patient’s nationwide including direct case management assistance, internet patient services, ongoing live patient chats and more.

Cancer Care
800-813-HOPE (4673)
Mon – Thurs 11AM – 7PM
Fri 9AM – 5PM
email: info@cancercare.org
http://www.cancercare.org

In the Cancer Care is a national non-profit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. They help with the emotional, financial, medical and social impacts of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Care programs—including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help—are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge. Applicants are able to participate in educational workshops by phone, receive individual counseling by phone and participate in by-phone support groups.

Financial aid in Ohio $125.00 for breast cancer, transportation; Reimbursement Grant averages $300 (pain and anti-nausea medicine, oral chemo or hormone treatment, Lymphadema supplies, bra, breast prosthesis, etc.); Co-pay relief: If you are insured and getting chemotherapy treatment, you can get assistance up to $10,000. Chemotherapy treatment payments only, no insurance co-pay assistance.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The Patient Navigator program helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the many systems needed during the cancer journey. Trained Patient Navigators link those dealing with cancer to needed programs and resources.

Patient Navigators
Tracy Bennett
888-ACS-OHIO ext.8052 (227-6446)
Cuyahoga County
Tracy.Bennett@cancer.org

Jennifer Cleveland
888-ACS-OHIO (227-6446) ext.8054 Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage
Jennifer.Cleveland@cancer.org

Melissa Davis
Summit, Lorain, Medina Counties
888-ACS-OHIO (227-6446) ext.8064
Melissa.Davis@cancer.org

United Way
First Call for Help 211
Connecting People to Services
211cleveland.org

Cuyahoga County Board of Health
http://www.ccbh.net

Protecting and promoting the Health of Residents of Cuyahoga County. Breast and Cervical Cancer Project provides education, screening, re-screening, diagnostics and case management related to breast and cervical cancer. Mammograms, Pap tests, office visits, clinical breast exams, surgical consultations, colposcopies, breast ultrasounds, biopsies and other diagnostic procedures. Participants must live in households with incomes less than 200% of the poverty level; are uninsured; are 40 years of age and older to receive Pap tests, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams; are 50 years of age or older to receive mammograms.

Viki Marsh
5550 Venture Drive
Parma, OH 44130
(216)201-2001 ext. 1505
800-443-2186
vmarsh@ccbh.net

The Gathering Place
23300 Commerce Park
Cleveland, OH 44122
(216)595-9546
http://www.touchedbycancer.org

The Gathering Place is a caring community that supports, educates and empowers individuals and families touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge. Service include: support groups and one-to-one short term counseling for individuals with cancer and their loved ones; Programs for children and families; Massage, reiki and reflexology; Lectures and educational programs; Nutrition information; Gentle exercise classes like yoga, tai chi and Pilates; Horticulture therapy in Norma’s Garden (our healing garden); An education Center that includes a lending library with over 2,000 books, cd’s, videos, periodicals and a medical librarian that can help with researching information

Karen O Nakon Foundation 
35765 Chester Road
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 930-8051
email: info@nakonfoundation.org
http://www.nakonfoundation.org

The Nakon Foundation provides financial assistance to families in financial crisis, helping families endure the staggering cost of treatment, as well as fund breast cancer research. The Nakon Foundation does not cap its donations, but rather looks to provide sufficient aid to families to get them through their crisis. Assistance includes: Housing Assistance (Rental or Mortgage Assistance); Medical treatment, prescriptions and/or supplies not covered by other means; Utilities (Gas, electric, water, phone); Transportation (cab vouchers, reimbursement for mileage to treatment); Child Care. Eligible recipients include any patient or family who has been impacted by breast cancer and is in financial need. Funding is currently limited to Northeast Ohio.

MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44109
http://www.metrohealth.org

MetroHealth’ current program is:Bringing Education, Advocacy and Support Together (BREAST). B.R.E.A.S.T designed to improve the breast health of minority women over age 35. Education about the importance of breast cancer screening, Free clinical breast examinations by physicians in the community, Free mammograms in the community, Free or reduced cost follow-up care at Metro Health Medical Center.

Amy Peacock, LISW 216-778-8328
Jasmin Santana 216-778-8347

Northeast Ohio Neghborhood Health Service (NEON)
Petrina Patterson
216-231-7700 ext. 1147
http://www.neonhealth.org

In addition to clinical services, patients have access to social work, health education, family planning and nutrition counseling, all of which provide a multi-disciplinary approach to improved health outcomes. NEON provides free mammograms for women over 40; with no insurance; or low-income women.

Women’s Diagnostic Center of Cleveland
Jacqueline Phasi
5 Severance Circle, Suite #207
Cleveland Hts., OH 44118
216-382-8874
http://www.wdc-mamm.com

The Breast Education and Screening Together (BEST) Program is an American Cancer Society program that provides free or low-cost mammograms to low income, uninsured, or underinsured women in Ohio.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm

A federally funded program designed to help eligible Ohioans meet the rising cost of home heating this winter; this program provides $175.00 to prevent customers from being disconnected from their primary heating or cooling source due to non-payment. Customers may apply once per season. Households whose total income is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible.

Summer Crisis Program
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm

A special component of HEAP, the Summer Crisis Program provides summer cooling assistance for low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions. The program applies to electric utilities only.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
PIPP allows eligible customers to make affordable energy payments. PIPP actually has several programs: the Standard PIPP Program, the PIPP Balanced Payment Plan, three Percent PIPP and the Arrearage Crediting Program.

Winter Crisis Program (formerly E-HEAP)
P.O. Box 1240,
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0583
800-282-0880
TDD 800-686-1557
http://www.development.ohio.gov

The Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible low-income households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten-day supply of bulk fuel.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)
800-282-0880
TDD 800-686-1557
Franklin County (614) 752-8808
FAX (614) 728-6832
Mon – Fri 7AM – 5PM

Ohio’s Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) is a federally funded low-income residential energy efficiency program. The program reduces low-income households’ energy use, thus creating more affordable housing for those in most need. Services include attic, wall and basement insulation; blower-door-guided air leakage reduction; heating system repairs or replacements; and health and safety testing and inspections. All measures are provided based on an on-site energy audit and on cost-effective guidelines developed using the NEAT computerized energy audit. Individualized client education is an important component of the program. Applications can be found at the web site, picked up at community action agencies, post offices and libraries. Note: Each household should mail only one application.

Heatshare Programs

The HeatShare programs are programs administered by the Salvation Army to help qualifying households pay for natural gas bills. These programs typically run from January until May, or until funds are depleted. For more information about the HeatShare program or to receive assistance, please contact your local Salvation Army.

Columbia Gas of Ohio Heatshare Programs

Customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio are eligible for the HeatShare program if they have an annual gross household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Households experiencing unexpected financial hardships may also be eligible for the program, determined on a case-by-case basis. The HeatShare program provides Columbia customers with a one-time assistance grant of up to $250. Customers are only eligible for HeatShare once per year, and the assistance cannot be applied toward security deposits or bills that are not required to maintain service.

Dominion East Ohio Energyshare Program
800-362-7557

The Dominion East Ohio EnergyShare program is designed to provide fuel assistance to pay for any type of winter heating bill. To qualify for the program, customers must live within the Dominion service territory, must have a termination notice, and must have exhausted other resources for state and federal fuel assistance. Senior citizens age 60 and older do not need a termination notice to qualify. EnergyShare can provide customers with assistance of up to $500 for heating bills and up to $250 for deposits. The funds cannot be used for unauthorized usage, bills older than one heating season, or unpaid balances from the previous heating season. To receive assistance, the applicant must have their name on the utility account or live at the listed residence.

Duke Energy Ohio Heatshare Fuel Fund
Salvation Army 513-721-0795

Eligibility for the Duke Energy Ohio HeatShare program is based upon need, and households must be subject to disconnection in order to qualify. Eligible customers can receive a one-time assistance payment of $300.

Extended Payment Plans
PUCO 800-686-PUCO(7826)
TDD 800-686-1570
Mon – Fri 8AM – 5PM
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/capmap

PUCO-regulated gas and electric companies have the following extended payment plans available to allow you to make affordable payments and maintain service: The One-Third Plan (Nov. 1 – April 15); The One-Sixth Plan. The one-third, one-sixth and budget payment plans are available to all residential customers regardless of income. PIPP is only available for those customers who meet the income guidelines.

Energy Assistance for Military Personnel and Their Families
PUCO 800-686-PUCO(7826)
TDD 800-686-1570
Mon – Fri 8AM – 5PM
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/capmap

The Patriot Plan, a program providing protections and benefits to military personnel and their families, can assist qualifying customers with maintaining utility service while serving on active duty. Under the plan, Ohio’s natural gas and electric utilities cannot disconnect the residential utility service of any military reservist or National Guardsman deployed on active duty for nonpayment. Upon return from active duty, utility companies must offer customers a period of time equal to the length of their deployment to pay any arrearages that may have accumulated. Additional time may be requested by a customer if the amount in arrearages presents a hardship. Utility companies are also prohibited from charging any late payment fees or interest to qualifying customers during the period of deployment or the repayment period. The Patriot Plan does not apply to career active-duty military personnel serving their regular tour of duty. For additional information regarding this benefit, contact your local utility.

Council for Economic Opportunties in Greater Cleveland
1228 Euclid Ave, Suite 700
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-696-9077
http://www.ceogc.org

CEOGC provides Emergency Home Energy Assistance (EHEAP).

Winter Heating: During the winter heating period, as designated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Housing Services Office accepts applications from thousands of eligible Cuyahoga County residents. CEOGC assists residents seeking emergency payments for heating gas, electricity for forced air heat, and bulk fuels such as oil, coal and wood. The application period normally begins on November 1st and ends March 31st.

Summer Cooling: During the summer months, funding may be available to help eligible Cuyahoga County residents pay for electricity necessary to keep their homes cool. CEOGC also provides air conditioners and/or fans for those who suffer from illnesses that can be life threatening when summer temperatures become extremely high. The application period for the program normally begins on June 1st and ends August 31st.

Prescription Drug Assistance

There are many public and private resources available to help patients with their medication costs. Some of these programs provide options for purchasing drugs at discounted prices. Others help patients who cannot afford any part of their medication costs. To help you find the best option for getting your medicine, we’ve spoken to pharmacists, drug companies and associations, and searched the Internet for information that can be helpful to consumers. There is information on drug assistance programs for many different types of patients, including those who: need financial help; are age 55 or older; have Medicare or are Medicare-eligible; are not eligible for Medicare, have no drug coverage, and are on a limited income; have insurance; have been diagnosed with breast cancer; want to explore Medicaid; are interested in saving money on prescription drugs; want to purchase drugs online. All of these programs have specific requirements that must be met in order to receive assistance from the program. You will need to provide some basic information about you and your financial situation. All the programs require an application form to be completed, and most will require some information from your doctor.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance
888-4PPA-NOW (477-2669)
http://www.pparx.com

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance program is a group of drug companies, doctors, health care providers, and organizations helping patients without prescription coverage find drug assistance programs that are right for them. The Web site offers access to more than 475 public and private drug and nutritional supplement assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by drug companies. To find programs right for you, fill out the confidential online form, which will include questions about the drugs you take, your age, annual income, and insurance coverage. After your answers are quickly compared to the requirements for the different programs, you will be able to see a list of programs that might be helpful to you. Your doctor or nurse can also use the Web site to find programs for you and then complete the necessary application forms for you and send them by email or fax.

NeedyMeds
215-625-9609
http://www.needymeds.com

The NeedyMeds Web site provides information on nearly 800 drug assistance programs, including requirements and application forms. NeedyMeds is an information clearinghouse and does not help with specific problems or provide individual searches for drug assistance programs.

BenefitsCheckUpRx
http://www.benefitscheckup.org

Provided by the National Council on the Aging, BenefitsCheckUpRx is an online resource for individuals age 55 and older who have difficulty paying for their medicines. This resource includes over 1,500 programs for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. By answering questions about your location, income, and medications, this service can find drug assistance programs that are available to you. The Web site also includes another questionnaire that searches for programs to help with rent, property taxes, meals, and other needs.

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
800-633-4227
888-MEDICARE
http://www.medicare.gov

The Federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site identifies available drug assistance programs and can help you pick the right Medicare-approved prescription drug plan (Part D) based on their location, income, and drugs you take. You can join a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan if: you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B, and; you don’t have outpatient prescription drug benefits through Medicaid (your state may call this Medical Assistance). If you’re enrolled in a state pharmacy assistance program (not Medicaid), you can still get a card. If you have prescription drug coverage through your current health insurance or you get discounts on your prescriptions through other programs, you might review your coverage closely to see if the Medicare drug plan will save you more money on your prescriptions.

Medicare Access for Patients-Rx (MAPRx)

Medicare Access for Patients-Rx (MAPRx) links you to information about the Medicare Part D Drug Program. It provides answers to frequently-asked questions about the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, and has a state-by-state listing of other possible resources and programs. While MAPRx does not provide direct services to Medicare recipients, it is a clearinghouse for information provided by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare Rights Center, Center for Medicare Advocacy, and many other organizations and agencies.

Together Rx Access Card
800-444-4106
http://www.together-rxaccess.com

The Together Rx Access Card has been created to help individuals and families who lack prescription drug coverage save on brand-name prescription drugs, other prescription products, and a wide range of generic drugs. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria: not eligible for Medicare; no prescription drug coverage (public or private); household income* equal to or less than $30,000 for a single person, $40,000 for a family of two, $50,000 for a family of three, $60,000 for a family of four, and $70,000 for a family of five (*income limits may be higher in Alaska and Hawaii); legal US resident.

HealthWell Foundation
800-675-8416
http://www.healthwellfoundation.org

HealthWell Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization that helps qualified individuals who do not have the ability to pay for prescription drug costs, insurance premiums and co-payments, (private insurance, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare or Medicaid), and some other out-of-pocket health care costs. The program serves only those with certain health conditions, which are posted on the Web site. Only certain cancers are included in their coverage.

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Assistance Program
866-512-3861
http://www.copays.org

The Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Assistance Program helps patients who meet certain requirements pay for the prescriptions and treatments they need. This program is available only to individuals with certain medical conditions who also have insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid). Only certain cancers are included in their program.

Patient Services Incorporated
800-366-7741
http://www.uneedpsi.org

Patient Services Incorporated is a national, nonprofit organization helping patients with certain expensive chronic illnesses and their families with health insurance premiums and medicine co-payments in order to help improve their quality of life. Families requiring help with the high cost of their health insurance premiums or co-payments are offered help based upon the severity of medical and financial need. They also help locate and purchase health insurance coverage. Only a few cancers are included in
this program.

Patient Access Network Foundation
866-316-7263
http://www.patientaccessnetwork.org

Patient Access Network Foundation is a nonprofit organization helping underinsured patients who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their treatment. The program assists patients with certain medical conditions who meet their financial, insurance, and medical requirements (for instance, the drugs must be covered by the patient’s insurance). Only certain cancers are included in their program.

Linking A.R.M.S. – Assistance and Resources Made Simple
800-813-4673
http://www.cancercare.org

Provided by CancerCare, Linking A.R.M.S. provides grants of up to $300 a year to assist low-income, under- and uninsured women with the costs of only certain oral medicines for breast cancer treatment, pain, and nausea, lymphedema support and supplies, and durable medical equipment prescribed by her doctor. The program does not help with living expenses, doctor and hospital bills, diagnostic testing, non-oral cancer treatments, or insurance premiums.

Getting Medicaid
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
877-267-2323
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo

The Medicaid is a federally-funded, state-run program that provides medical assistance for individuals and families with limited incomes and resources. It pays for health care costs, including doctor’s and hospital visits and prescription drug costs. Qualifications and benefits vary from state to state. You can locate your local Social Security, Welfare, or Department of Human Services by visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213

Co-Pay Assistance & Prescription Assistance
Simple Savings Discount Drug Card
http://www.lusciniahealth.com

This program is associated with another program that was developed for people who have no prescription coverage. They issue a Simple Savings Discount Drug Card for free for anyone who is approved.

Amgen Reimbursement Connection
800-272-9376
http://www.amgen.com/patients/assistance

For patients who are uninsured or underinsured and who have limited financial resources; based on insured status and income level. Drugs in this program include Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) and Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
800-736-0003
http://www.bmspaf.org

Established to provide temporary assistance to patients with financial hardship who generally have no private prescription drug insurance and are not enrolled in a prescription drug coverage plan through Medicaid or any other federal, state or local health program.

Cancer Care
800-813-4673
http://www.cancercare.org/get_help

CancerCare’s financial assistance program provides limited grants for certain expenses related to treatment.

Genetech’s Single Point of Contact
888-249-4918
Expenditure Cap: 800-232-2717
http://www.spoconline.com/Avastin

A reimbursement resource for Genentech products that provides information to patients and their health care providers.

Glaxosmithkline’s Commitment to Access
866-265-6491
http://www.commitmenttoaccess.gsk.com

Provides outpatient medications to eligible low-income patients who do not have prescription drug benefits.

Lilly Cares
800-545-6962
http://www.lillycares.com

Provides temporary assistance to patients obtaining Lilly or Dista medication.

Merck’s ACT Program
866-363-6379
http://www.emend.com/aprepitant/emend/consumer/reimbursement/what_is_act.jsp

ACT is a two-part program specifically designed to assist insured patients with insurance reimbursement issues, and to provide product support for those qualified individuals lacking coverage for Emend® (aprepitant).

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
888-477-2669
http://www.pparx.org

Offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs

Pfizer’s FirstRESOURCE
877-744-5675
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com

FirstRESOURCE provides products to eligible, low-income, uninsured and underinsured patients.

RX Assit and RX Outreach Patient Assistance Programs
http://www.rxassist.org

Offers assistance to patients without prescription drug coverage who meet income requirements.

RX Hope
877-979-4673
http://www.rxhope.com

Offers information on assistance programs from various pharmaceutical companies; offers an Assistance Finder, which matches patient information against available federal, state and charitable prescription drug programs.

Schering-Plough’s Commitment to Care Program 
800-521-7157
http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/corp/commitment_care.jsp

Free cancer medications through patient assistance programs to people with low incomes who do not have prescription drug coverage.