Cancer General Resources 3

Cancer General Resources 3

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)

1731 King Street, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-1500
(703) 837-1233 (fax)
www.nhpco.org
Provides information on hospice services nationally, including information on communication about hospice, insurance coverage and locating hospice services. Provides explanations of palliative care, Medicare benefits, and other frequently asked questions. Information is also available in Spanish.

NeedyMeds, Inc.

P.O. Box 219
Gloucester, MA 01931
(215) 625-9609
www.needymeds.com
Offers information about programs sponsored by pharmaceutical manufacturers to help people who cannot afford to purchase necessary drugs. You can search their Web site for the name of the drug (name brand and generic) to determine if financial assistance plans are available.

New LifeStyles Online

4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1000
Dallas, TX 75204
(800) 869-9549
www.newlifestyles.com
Provides information on independent retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s care, and home or hospice care. You can order a free guide or search online.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance

(888) 4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669)
www.pparx.org/Intro.php
Through its Web site, “The Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.”

Patient Access Network Foundation

P.O. Box 221858
Charlotte, NC 28222
(866) 316-PANF (866-316-7263)
www.panfoundation.org
“Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit established in 2004, dedicated to assisting patients who cannot afford the outof-pocket costs associated with their treatment needs” (Web site). Contact the organization for a list of covered diseases; PAN also provides trained case managers with whom patients or advocates may speak about their care.

The Patient Advocate Foundation/Co-Pay Relief Program

700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
(866) 512-3861
(757) 952-0119 (fax)
www.copays.org
“Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation, assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or debilitating diseases” (Web site). The Co-Pay Relief Program provides direct co-pay assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured patients who financially and medically qualify, for a restricted number of specific cancers; contact the organization for a list of covered conditions.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
(800) 772-1213
(800) 325-0778 (TTY)
www.ssa.gov
This Federal program provides extensive information on Social Security benefits, including Social Security Disability (SSD), Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), contact information to state Medicaid offices, and much more. You may be able to apply online to these programs, and even
check your claim status. Information is available in many languages; call or check the Web site for a complete list.

United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA)

UOAA
P.O. Box 66
Fairview, TN 37062-0066
(800) 826-0826
www.uoaa.org
The UOAA “is an association of affiliated, nonprofit, support groups who are committed to the improvement of the quality of life of people who have, or will have, an intestinal or urinary diversion” (Web site). Coordinates educational and support groups through local chapters, and publishes The Phoenix.
Provides information on practical ostomy care issues, including answers to common insurance coverage questions, and support information.

The United Way

(703) 836-7112
www.liveunited.org
“The United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health” (Web site). For information about specific United Way programs in your area or other social services available in your area (including, in some locations, financial assistance programs), contact your local chapter of the United Way.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
(877) 696-6775
www.hhs.gov
The mission of this government organization is to “protect health and give a special helping hand to those who need assistance.” HHS provides information on many topics, including Medicare, Medicaid, childcare and health initiatives, referrals to information on cancer, and much more. HHS publishes the “Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.”

U.S. Department of Labor

Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
(866) 4-USA-DOL (866-487-2365)
www.dol.gov
The U.S. Department of Labor has created an online program to help people understand their eligibility for and rights regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act  (www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/fmla/fmlamenu.asp). Additional information regarding employee rights, including health plans and benefits, is available on the e-laws section of the Web site.

The Wellness Community

National Office
919 18th Street, NW
Suite 54
Washington, DC 20006
(888) 793-WELL (888-793-9355)
(202) 659-9709
www.thewellnesscommunity.org
This organization provides supportive services to people with cancer and their loved ones by offering a variety of services, including online information and support (through the “Virtual Wellness Community”) and on-site locations nationwide. Also includes a list of suggested books addressing common issues people with cancer and their families face. Information is provided in both English and Spanish.