The short answer
Cancer care can feel out of reach without insurance or with a low income, but there are real options. These include Medicaid, the Health Insurance Marketplace, hospital charity care and sliding-scale programs, and organizations that help with drugs, travel, and bills. Telling your team about money worries is an important first step.
You have options even without insurance or with a limited income.
Medicaid covers people with low incomes, and the Marketplace offers plans.
Hospitals may offer charity care or sliding-scale fees based on income.
Many organizations help with drug costs, travel, and living expenses.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
A cancer diagnosis is frightening enough. Facing it without insurance, or on a tight budget, can feel overwhelming. But you are not out of options. There are real programs and people whose job is to help.
The costs of cancer care are a common worry, even for people who have insurance. The word for this strain is financial toxicity. This guide walks through where to start.
Even without insurance or money, there are real ways to get care.
Finding coverage
If you do not have insurance, a good first step is the Health Insurance Marketplace. It lets you compare plans in your state based on price and benefits. You can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596.
The Affordable Care Act also expanded Medicaid, a state-run program that covers people with low incomes. Whether you qualify and what is covered can vary by state. You can learn more at Medicaid.gov or by calling 1-877-267-2323. If you are 65 or older, Medicare may apply.
Start with the Marketplace and Medicaid to look for coverage.
When you cannot afford insurance
Sometimes people cannot afford insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. There are still options.
Ask about charity care and sliding-scale programs at hospitals and clinics. In these programs, fees are based on your income. Some hospitals are even required to see patients who are uninsured. To learn more, contact your local department of health or social services, or the business office of the hospital you want to use.
Charity care and sliding-scale programs can open doors without insurance.
Help with specific costs
Beyond coverage, many organizations help with the specific costs that add up during cancer care, such as medicines, travel, lodging, and living expenses. Some examples include:
- CancerCare, which offers financial help and a searchable database of resources
- The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition, which lists organizations that help patients
- The HealthWell Foundation, which assists with copays, premiums, and deductibles
- Blood Cancer United, which helps people with blood cancers
You can also call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER for help finding referrals and support.
Targeted programs can help with drugs, travel, and daily expenses.
Saving on medicines
Medicines can be a big part of the cost, but there are ways to save. Ask your doctor whether a generic version is available, since generics usually cost less. Ask about discount programs too.
Helpful tools include GoodRx, which compares prices and offers coupons, along with NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and the Medicine Assistance Tool, which connect people to lower-cost or free medicines.
One important safety note. Never skip doses or split pills on your own to save money. This can be harmful and can interfere with your care. Always talk to your doctor first.
Generics and discount programs help, but never change doses on your own.
Talk to your team
Perhaps the most important step is also the simplest. Tell your care team if costs are a worry. It can feel uncomfortable, but your doctors want to know.
When they understand your situation, they can make decisions about treatments and medicines with your costs in mind, and point you to resources. Hospital social workers and financial counselors are especially good at finding programs beyond insurance. Many patients say that simply sharing these worries made them feel more supported.
Sharing money worries with your team unlocks help you might not find alone.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸I do not have insurance. Where do I start?
If you do not have insurance, the Health Insurance Marketplace lets you compare plans in your state. You can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596. The Affordable Care Act also expanded Medicaid to cover more people with low incomes.
▸What if I cannot afford insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare?
Ask about charity care and sliding-scale programs at hospitals and clinics, where fees are based on your income. Some hospitals are required to see patients who are uninsured. Contact your local department of health or social services, or the hospital's business office.
▸What is Medicaid?
Medicaid gives health benefits to people with a limited income and their families. It is run by each state, so who is eligible and what is covered can vary. You can learn more at Medicaid.gov or by calling 1-877-267-2323.
▸Are there groups that help with costs?
Yes. Organizations help with medicines, travel, lodging, and living expenses. Examples include CancerCare, the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition, the HealthWell Foundation, and Blood Cancer United. You can also call NCI at 1-800-4-CANCER for referrals.
▸How can I save money on medicines?
Ask your doctor about generic versions, which usually cost less, and about discount programs. Tools like GoodRx, NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and the Medicine Assistance Tool can help. Never skip or split doses on your own to save money, as that can be harmful.
▸Should I tell my doctor about money worries?
Yes. Your team wants to know, because decisions about treatments and medicines can be made with your costs in mind, and they can point you to resources. Many patients say sharing these concerns makes them feel better and more supported.
Questions to ask your doctor
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