Social Issues

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Cancer and it's treatment affects all aspects of life: work, family, home, leisure, finances and more. Information and assistance is available through our social worker to help you cope with areas in your life affected by cancer and treatment.

Transportation And Lodging
Traveling to treatments can be a physical or financial hardship.

The American Cancer Society offers financial assistance for those traveling over 100 miles roundtrip for treatment. Contact our social worker or your local American Cancer Society office for an application.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Patient Assistance Program offers up to $500 assistance to those who qualify. Contact our social worker or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to apply.

Local community agencies may offer transportation services for travel to treatment. Please contact our social worker for information and assistance with services in your community.

There are times when an overnight stay may be needed. Information about local hotels and lodging resources is available through our social worker. Many local hotels offer medical or hospital rates. Make sure to inquire about special rates when making any hotel reservation.

Job Security And Employment
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person's ability to work. If you are currently employed, talking with your Human Resources or Personnel Representative can help you find information regarding medical leave benefits, short or long term disability benefits, options for work schedule changes as well as information about your employer health benefits. Our office social worker would be happy to assist you with questions or concerns regarding job security or employment issues.

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that provides protected leave for patients requiring medical care or family members who are needed to care for someone who is ill. Further information can be found with the US Department of Labor.

The American's with Disabilities Act can provide protection and regulations for cancer patients who are working or returning to work.

If a person is unable to work due to an illness or treatment, they may qualify for Social Security Disability. This federal program provides income replacement for those who qualify. You can visit the Social Security Administration.

Emergency assistance is also available. These programs can vary by community. Contact our social worker for additional information.

Insurance
If you have questions about your medical insurance, feel free to contact our financial counseling office or the If you have questions about your medical insurance, feel free to contact our social worker for assistance.

The Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act has provisions that protect both patient privacy and insurability. Contained in this act are regulations that provide protection of employees regarding insurance coverage and premiums. For patients who need information about insurance laws, contact the State Insurance Commission. The State Commission can also assist if you feel you have been treated unjustly by your insurance company. The Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act has provisions that protect both patient privacy and insurability. Contained in this act are regulations that provide protection of employees regarding insurance coverage and premiums. For patients who need information about insurance laws, contact the Patient Advocacy Foundation provides free advocacy and assistance with employment and insurance issues for patients with cancer.

For more on insurance/job security issues, visit Facing Forward, and for more on insurance/job security issues, visit CancerNet for a guide for cancer survivors.

For information and assistance with resources in your community, just ask your social worker or nurse.

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