People who have no health insurance or have problems with their insurance face special barriers to getting quality cancer care. But, while finding care when you do not have insurance coverage is difficult, it is not impossible. If you need help paying for your medications, there are several options available. First, your state may have a pharmaceutical assistance program that will help you pay for the drugs you need. Also, most of the large drug companies have what is called an “Indigent Drug Program.” These programs help provide medications to people who cannot afford them. Individuals cannot apply directly for these programs. However, your doctor, nurse, or social worker can contact them and help get your drug costs covered. Contact your local or state department on aging to see if such a program is available in your state. In addition, contact Needy Meds for information about getting medications from pharmaceutical companies. The stories you will hear in this program offer hope and encouragement that insurance problems need not stand in the way of finding and getting good cancer care.

After listening to this Toolbox program, you will better understand:

• The effect of insurance on cancer care
• What to do when you have no insurance
• Medicare benefits
• Hospice care and how to evaluate it
• Medicaid
• Veterans Affairs benefits
• Public and private community resources
• Your life insurance
• Private insurance and gaps in coverage
• Getting and paying for prescription medicines
• Federal laws and healthcare rights

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