Financial Assisance for Cancer Patients During Unpaid FMLA

Does anyone know of any financial assistance for cancer (especially gyn cancer) patients on unpaid Family Medical Leave Act and/or after losing a job?

Thanks, in advance.

You can start by contacting your county department of human services. What kind of help is available varies a lot by state. If you need help with medical bills, some states have a Medicaid program or a state insurance buy-in that you might be eligible for. There are also programs like food stamps, energy assistance, etc. that might be available. Most of the programs take into account medical expenses as well as income to determine your eligibility.

Also, contact your local American Cancer Society branch. One of the volunteers at the center where my gyn-onc is located gave my mother a ton of info about help that's available in our area (such as free or low-cost hotel rooms and assistance with travel expenses, plus lots of other stuff).

The cancer center where I get treatment has a social worker (her title is patient navigator) who has info on what's available. Most hospitals also have social workers and/or financial counselors on staff.

Hope this helps.

iowacatlover summed it all up. Look online as well for cervical cancer or gyne cancer awareness groups. They can help as well. There was one I found through facebook call Tamika & friends. Tamika is very kind is will help wherever she can. There's also i2y cancer foundation for patients under the age of 40. The ACS helped point me in different directions when I was trying to secure a grant to cover a machine to treat my LE.

One more thought - most states have an official website with info on state programs. Try googling your state name + human services, or your state + medicaid (even if you don't need medicaid) and it should get you there.

Have you looked into applying for Social Security Disability? Particularly on a reoccurence, it is not unusual to get temporary benefits if you've lost a job or are unable to physically continue. The bad news is that it takes about 6 months to a year to get benefits. If you decide to go that route, see if you might get a lawyer that specializes in social security disability. Go first also to the Social Security web site.

Here in IL, our township office serves as a clearinghouse for help. The social services director at our local Salvation Army is a great resource for pointing people in the right direction.