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CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program

Definition
Qualifications
Costs
Pros & Cons
Benefit Types & Limits
How to Apply
 
Overview of the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
Definition:
CancerCare’s co-payment assistance provides financial help to eligible cancer patients to cover the cost of medications for treating cancer. The assistance is not meant for insurance premiums.
Pros & Cons:
Cancer drugs can cost several thousand dollars a month, and insurance co-pays for medications can be 20%. This can leave patients with hundreds of dollars a month or more in co-pays. The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance program helps seniors with direct payments to their medication providers to cover the difference.

The benefits limits depend on the extent of need and type of cancer. Usually, annual limits are between $5,000 and $10,000. Typically, individuals that qualify receive between $2,500 and $5,000. The enrollment period is for one year; and re-enrollment each year is possible.

For tax purposes, the financial assistance is considered a gift for medical purposes and, therefore, is exempt from taxes.
Be Aware That:
It is possible that funding can run out depending on the finances of the funding organization.

Also Known As:
Co-Payment Assistant Foundation
Qualifications for the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
Age Requirements
There are no age requirements to be eligible for CancerCare’s Co-Payment Assistance.

Disabilities / Health Requirements
The senior must be diagnosed with one of the following forms of cancer: breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, pancreatic or renal cell cancer. Their medications must be approved for cancer by the FDA. Finally their doctors must complete physician verification forms.
 
Family Status
One’s family status does not play a role in determining eligibility for CancerCare’s Co-Payment Assistance. However, it should be noted that the maximum allowable income for eligibility increases if a couple or a family is applying.
 
Financial Status Requirements
CancerCare’s Co-Payment Assistance requires that a senior’s income be less than 4 times the federal poverty level; approximate limits are shown in the table below.
 
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Income Limits
Persons in Household 48 States & DC Alaska Hawaii
1 $43,320 $54,120 $49,840
2 $58,280 $72,840 $67,040
3 $73,240 $91,560 $84,240
4 $88,200 $110,280 $101,440

CancerCare’s program may also limit eligibility based on the assets of the applicant, but these limits were not available at the time of writing.

 
Veteran Status Requirements
Veteran status does not play a role in CancerCare’s selection process.
 
Geographic Requirements
The senior must be either a U.S. citizen or valid resident alien, and must receive treatment within the U.S.
 
Other Requirements
The senior must have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, or other private insurance, and have medication approved for cancer by the FDA.

Seniors must provide evidence of their conditions, their financial needs and insurance. During the application process, they will be asked to provide the following:
  • Copy of Insurance Card
  • Copy of Checking Account Statement
  • Income Verification
  • U.S. Federal Income Tax Return or Social Security/Disability Award Letter
  • Most recent paycheck/pension stub/unemployment check
  • Their Prescription information
  • Their doctor information
Benefits of the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
Types of Benefit Payout
CancerCare sends payment directly to the insurer, pharmacy or doctor once the bills for the medications are received.
 
Restrictions on How Payout Can be Used
CancerCare’s Co-Pay Assistance can only be used for cancer treatment medications. Patients are free to use the medical provider or pharmacy of their choice and can switch providers.
 
Benefits Amounts & Limits
The benefits limits depend on the extent of need and type of cancer. Usually, annual limits are between $5,000 and $10,000. Typically, individuals that qualify receive between $2,500 and $5,000.
 
Time to Receive Benefits
The approval process for Co-Payment Assistance takes 2 to 3 weeks.
 
This Source Can Help For
Cancer Medications co-payment costs
Costs of CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
There is no cost to apply for CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance.
How to Apply for the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
One can learn more or apply for CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance on its website or by calling 1-866-55-COPAY.
 
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