The short answer
Cancer medicines can be costly, but several kinds of assistance may help — patient assistance programs from drug makers, copay assistance, nonprofit grants, and prescription savings. A social worker, pharmacist, or navigator can help you find and apply.
Cancer drugs can be expensive, but assistance programs may lower the cost.
Drug makers often run patient assistance programs for people who qualify.
Copay assistance and nonprofit grants may help with out-of-pocket costs.
Your pharmacist, social worker, or navigator can help you find programs.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Cancer medicines can carry a high price tag, and cost worries are common and valid. The good news is that several kinds of assistance may lower what you pay — and help is available to find them.
Kinds of help
Depending on the medicine, your income, and your insurance, you may qualify for:
- Patient assistance programs from drug makers (low or no cost for those who qualify)
- Copay assistance programs that cover part of your share
- Grants from cancer nonprofit foundations
- Prescription discount or savings options
Who can help you apply
You don't have to navigate this alone. A hospital social worker, financial counselor, oncology pharmacist, or patient navigator can help you find programs and fill out applications.
Ask early — some programs take time to review and approve.
A few more tips
Ask your care team whether a lower-cost medicine would work as well for you, and keep records of your applications. The NCI's Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER) can also point you toward resources.
A note before we begin
This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. For your own care, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, registered dietitian, or care team.
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Common questions
▸What help exists for expensive cancer drugs?
Several kinds may help: patient assistance programs run by drug makers, copay assistance programs, grants from cancer nonprofits, and prescription discount options. What you qualify for depends on the drug, your income, and your insurance.
▸What is a patient assistance program?
Many drug companies offer patient assistance programs that provide medicines at low or no cost to people who meet income and insurance rules. Your care team or pharmacist can help you check and apply.
▸What is copay assistance?
Copay assistance helps cover the part of a drug's cost you pay yourself. It may come from drug makers or nonprofit foundations, and rules vary by program and insurance type.
▸Who can help me apply?
A hospital social worker, financial counselor, oncology pharmacist, or patient navigator can help you find programs and complete applications. Ask your care team early.
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