There are various foundations available to women who do not have insurance. These foundations offer assistance in paying for breast prosthesis, mastectomy camisoles, chemo beanies, compression bras, and other post-mastectomy products.
Along with financial assistance that can ease the burden of medical bills, these foundations also provide a variety of other useful services, such as financial advising, educational courses, and access to other forms of relief.
The following four foundations help uninsured or disadvantaged individuals overcome the trials of living post-breast cancer diagnosis.
1. The Susan G. Komen Foundation
If you live in the United States, it is likely you have already heard of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
This impressive organization was developed to initiate awareness campaigns, procure funding, and offer support for the women in America who have a new diagnosis or a history of breast cancer, and you may have heard of or even participated in one of their awareness or fundraising campaigns.
However, what you may not know is that the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in partnership with CancerCare®, developed the Komen Treatment Assistance Program to bridge the gap for underinsured individuals who are actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The program aims to alleviate the financial burden of breast cancer treatment and make quality care more accessible, no matter what a person’s financial status might be.
The funding is available to women at any age and any stage of their breast cancer diagnosis, though there are certain other criteria that an individual must meet to be eligible.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation has also partnered with the Patient Advocate Foundation to launch the Komen Treatment Assistance Program Financial Aid Fund. This organization endows breast cancer patients across the nation with monetary support during treatment.
Qualified patients can access a grant of $300 to cover any care or supplies they may need; this can include chemo beanies, breast prosthesis, post-surgical bras, wigs, and any other necessary items.
2. CancerCare®
Along with the work that it does as a partner of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, CancerCare® administer a prosthesis clinic for individuals who have undergone a mastectomy to provide post-surgery supplies at no cost. In fact, individuals who qualify can receive mastectomy bras and breast prostheses free of charge.
However, it is important to note that eligibility requirements for this program are somewhat limiting, including a required six weeks post-surgery period that individuals must wait out before obtaining support.
3. The Carey Foundation
The Carey Foundation was established with the goals of helping to reduce the financial stress that breast cancer patients face during and after treatment. In addition, all of the services they offer are made possible by donations and fundraising campaigns.
Once you have completed the proper paperwork and figured out what products and services you need assistance with, you may apply for some of the following funds:
- $50-$300 towards a quality compression garment
- $100 towards a wig
- $250 for two mastectomy bras with breast prostheses
- 24 weeks of counseling for your family and yourself
4. For Three Sisters
In 2014, The Carey Foundation began working with For Three Sisters in the development of a unique program called “Road to Resources.” It was established based on the belief that the method that is used to evaluate a breast cancer patient’s eligibility for certain benefits was fundamentally flawed, as that eligibility is based solely on the individual’s access to information and education regarding how to acquire those funds.
The program bridges that gap and delivers many of the supplies a person needs while recovering from treatment and surgery – such as bras and prosthetics – and also covers the various products that are not typically considered, such as groceries and counseling.
The Takeaway
Remember, in recovering from breast cancer treatment, along with financial assistance, mental health is also important.
Visit the websites of these and other foundations to see if you qualify for the support and services that are offered.