The American Cancer Society’s forecast for melanoma incidence in the United States in 2022 is approximately 99,780 new cases.
In addition to the physical consequences melanoma patients must endure, there are also financial strains that come with therapy. Even for those with insurance, the out-of-pocket medical costs can still be enough to break the bank. The costs could amount to tens of thousands of dollars for skin cancer patients without insurance.
Don’t let the expense of therapy prevent you from receiving the treatment you need if you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, Merkel cell cancer, or another type of skin cancer! Our American Life Fund team works with individuals diagnosed with skin cancer to help them get the financial assistance they need.
This blog article will inform you about our financial program along with other organizations that provide financial assistance to skin cancer patients (including patients with melanoma and Merkel cell cancer) and their families.
Financial Assistance For Skin Cancer Patients Type #1: Your Life Insurance Policy Pays YOU (Through a Viatical Settlement)
Even with government programs like Medicare and Medicaid in the United States, you may still be responsible for high out-of-pocket costs if you undergo skin cancer treatment.
Your life insurance policy could be an asset you were unaware you had! It allows policyholders to sell their coverage for a lump-sum cash payment, also known as a “viatical settlement .” These funds are tax-free with no strings attached, so you can use them however you choose! You can pay for your medical expenses, and living costs, pay off debts or go on that dream vacation you’ve always wanted to take.
Individuals may receive up to 70% of their life insurance policy with a viatical settlement in as little as two weeks!
Viatical settlements are for life insurance policyholders who have a life-threatening illness. Here’s how it works:
- Individuals with life insurance policies can enter contracts with third-party purchasers to sell their life insurance policies.
- They will receive a lump-sum payment that is more than the cash value of the life insurance policy but less than the death benefit.
- The life settlement company assumes the monthly premium payments and receives the death benefit when the insured passes.
American Life Fund assists thousands of cancer patients who want to sell their life insurance policies to relieve the financial strain of melanoma treatments and allow you and your loved ones to devote more time to the things that matter. American Life Fund can provide a quick cash offer for your life insurance policy through our simple application process.
Financial Assistance For Skin Cancer Patients Type #2: General Cancer Financial Support Resources
Various cost-cutting options are available for skin cancer patients:
- Some grants are open to applicants with all cancer types, while others are skin cancer-specific.
- You can find financial awards you may be eligible for online or through your local nonprofit organizations.
When a cancer patient receives financial aid, the money comes with no strings attached. Finding these grants might take time and work, but they may assist you with your living and medical expenditures if you do.
Top General Resources for Cancer Patients
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) connects cancer patients with financial assistance resources based on geographic location and diagnosis.
- Triage Cancer and Needymeds maintain and update a list of financial assistance resources for cancer patients.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation charity provides co-payment assistance for cancer patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans.
- Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation provides co-payment assistance for cancer patients with private health insurance.
- The Livestrong Foundation provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients for life-sustaining treatments and services.
- The Cancer Support Community has collected important information to create an internet resource to help you deal with cancer-related financial issues.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Reimbursement Resource Room is where patients can obtain reimbursement solutions and services to assist with financial issues.
- The Patient Advocate Foundation works to provide health care, job retention, and financial stability for individuals through its matching service. The organization’s executives and attorneys handle the case. Case managers, doctors, and lawyers are responsible for it.
Financial Assistance For Skin Cancer Patients Type #3: Skin Cancer-Financial Assistance From Hospitals And Clinics
Many independent and charity hospitals can be found in the United States, each dedicated to a particular specialty. Some are free and low-cost for members or visitors who qualify. Patients who are uninsured, underinsured, ineligible for a government program, or unable to pay for necessary care at a hospital might be eligible for financial aid. For example:
- John Hopkins Hospital provides such an option. Please get in touch with your hospital financial assistance department to inquire.
- Hill-Burton Free Hospital Care under the Department of Health Resources and Services Administration.
- Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. If you don’t have health coverage and are diagnosed with early skin cancer, a free or low-cost healthcare facility may be able to assist you. Some clinics provide limited medical or dental assistance, while others give comprehensive assistance.
Financial Assistance For Skin Cancer/Melanoma/Merkel Cell Patients Type #4: Cancer-Specific Financial Assistance
This section provides a list of organizations that give financial and other assistance to skin cancer patients.
Melanoma Research Foundation
Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. It supports medical research that leads to more effective treatments and educates patients, physicians, and the public about melanoma prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. MRF also advocates for the melanoma community to raise awareness of melanoma and the need for a cure. MRF provides a comprehensive list of organizations that support melanoma patients – from pharmaceutical patient assistance programs to government agencies and nonprofit organizations. It also includes lodging and travel assistance options.
American Melanoma Foundation
The American Melanoma Foundation, based in San Diego, CA, provides support-paid group memberships to individuals who want to start a group. The American Melanoma Foundation provides comprehensive information on melanoma, including screening and staging and clinical trials that people may be interested in participating in.
Melanoma International Foundation
The Melanoma International Foundation‘s phone number (866.463.6663) is a “patient navigation hotline” that provides information about the disease and where to find treatment for patients and their families.
Kelly’s Dream
Dr. Kelly’s project aims to increase public awareness of melanoma and provide financial assistance to those who suffer from the disease in Maryland.
MerkelCell.org
The MerkelCell was created by doctors and researchers who study Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare, aggressive skin cancer, to answer frequently asked queries and give accurate information about the illness.
Financial Assistance For Skin Cancer/Melanoma/Merkel Cell Patients Type #5: Fundraising
There are many methods to bring people together to help raise money for skin cancer education and initiatives that save lives. Organizing a fundraiser is a great way to support a loved one with cancer and raise money for cancer research and patient services. Here are some tips on how to get started:
- The first step is to decide what type of fundraiser you would like to hold. There are many different options, so be sure to choose something you’re passionate about.
- Once you’ve chosen the type of fundraiser, it’s time to start planning. Set a date, time, and location for your event.
- Next, you’ll need to promote your fundraiser. This can be done through social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
- Finally, don’t forget to thank everyone who supported your fundraiser. This is a great way to show appreciation and maintain relationships with your donors.
CancerCare has a team of specialists who can guide and advise on planning and carrying out a successful fundraiser.
GoFundMe is an online platform that allows anyone to start a fundraiser for cancer patients, research, etc.
In Conclusion
There are many ways to get financial assistance for skin cancer, melanoma, and Merkel cell patients. We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with some options to explore. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at American Life Fund.
