Grants for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer patients can access financial assistance for treatment costs, prescription medications, transportation to appointments, lodging near treatment centers, and living expenses during treatment. Programs include nonprofit patient assistance funds, pharmaceutical copay programs, hospital financial aid, and emergency relief grants. Below are 67 verified grant opportunities and financial assistance programs for breast cancer patients and survivors.
đź’Š Treatment & Medication Costs
Copay assistance for chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs. Prescription assistance for cancer medications including out-of-pocket costs.
đźš— Transportation & Lodging
Gas cards, mileage reimbursement, free lodging near treatment centers, airfare for distant care, and transportation vouchers for medical appointments.
🏠Living Expenses & Bills
Mortgage/rent assistance, utility bill help, groceries, childcare costs, and emergency financial aid during active treatment when unable to work.
🎗️ Wigs, Prosthetics & Recovery
Breast prostheses, post-mastectomy bras, wigs and headwear, lymphedema garments, scar therapy, and reconstruction support.
Eligibility Requirements
Most breast cancer financial assistance programs require:
- Diagnosis: Confirmed breast cancer diagnosis with documentation from oncologist (any stage: 0-IV, invasive, non-invasive, metastatic, or recurrent)
- Income Limits: Typically 200-500% of Federal Poverty Level ($31,200-$78,000/year for individual; higher for families). Some programs have no income restrictions.
- Active Treatment: Most programs require active treatment status (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy) though some assist survivors and those in remission
- Insurance Status: Uninsured, underinsured, Medicare/Medicaid patients, or those with high out-of-pocket costs. Some programs require insurance coverage for copay assistance.
- U.S. Residency: Must be U.S. citizen or legal resident (some programs accept undocumented patients)
- Direct Medical Need: Assistance covers documented medical expenses, treatment costs, or financial hardship directly related to breast cancer diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of costs can breast cancer grants cover?
Grants cover chemotherapy/radiation copays, prescription medications (including expensive biologics like Herceptin, Perjeta), surgery costs (mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction), imaging (mammograms, MRI, PET scans), genetic testing (BRCA1/BRCA2), prostheses and wigs, transportation and lodging, utility bills, rent/mortgage, groceries, childcare, and lost wages. Each program has specific eligible expenses—some are treatment-only while others cover living expenses during active treatment.
Where can I find copay assistance for expensive breast cancer drugs?
Pharmaceutical manufacturers offer copay cards/programs for their drugs: Genentech (Herceptin, Perjeta, Kadcyla), Pfizer (Ibrance), AstraZeneca (Lynparza), Lilly (Verzenio), Novartis (Kisqali). Additionally, independent foundations like the Patient Access Network (PAN), HealthWell Foundation, Patient Advocate Foundation, and Good Days provide copay assistance when you have insurance but can't afford out-of-pocket costs. These programs can save thousands per month on cancer medications.
Can I get help if I have insurance but still can't afford treatment?
Yes! Being insured doesn't disqualify you. Many programs specifically help insured patients with high deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Copay foundations (PAN, HealthWell, Good Days) assist with coinsurance costs. Hospital financial assistance programs may reduce bills even if insured. Pharmaceutical patient assistance programs provide drugs at low/no cost for those who qualify by income. You can stack multiple programs—copay assistance + transportation grants + living expense aid.
How quickly can I get financial assistance after diagnosis?
Emergency assistance can be approved in 24-72 hours for urgent needs (hospital bills, eviction prevention). Copay programs typically process applications within 5-7 business days. Nonprofit grants may take 2-4 weeks for review. Apply as soon as diagnosed—don't wait until bills pile up. Many programs have limited annual funding and close applications when funds deplete (often mid-year). Hospital financial aid should be requested before/during treatment, not months later.
What if I'm a breast cancer survivor no longer in active treatment?
Some programs assist survivors! Post-treatment needs include: hormone therapy (Tamoxifen, Arimidex) for 5-10 years (copay programs available), lymphedema treatment, reconstruction surgery, physical therapy, genetic counseling for family, mental health counseling, and ongoing imaging. Programs like LBBC (Living Beyond Breast Cancer), Young Survival Coalition, and hospital survivorship clinics offer post-treatment support. Recurrence/metastatic patients qualify for all active treatment programs again.
Are there age-specific grants for young women or elderly breast cancer patients?
Yes! Young Survival Coalition (YSC) and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) specifically serve younger women (under 40-45) with unique needs: fertility preservation before chemotherapy, childcare during treatment, career interruption, and peer support. Susan G. Komen and American Cancer Society serve all ages but have targeted programs for underserved populations. Medicare beneficiaries can access State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) for help navigating coverage. Many programs prioritize single mothers, elderly on fixed incomes, and those without family support.
How to Apply for Breast Cancer Financial Assistance
Gather Medical Documentation
Obtain diagnosis letter from oncologist, pathology reports, current treatment plan, prescription list, and upcoming appointment schedule. You'll need these for most applications.
Collect Financial Documents
Gather recent pay stubs or tax returns, insurance cards (front/back), medical bills, bank statements, and proof of expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities). Income verification is required by most programs.
Apply to Multiple Programs Simultaneously
Don't apply to just one! Stack assistance: copay foundation + transportation org + hospital financial aid + pharmaceutical patient assistance. Each covers different expenses. Most allow combining programs.
Work with Hospital Social Worker or Patient Navigator
Hospital financial counselors, oncology social workers, and patient navigators know local/national programs and can help complete applications. They have direct connections to assistance programs and know which have available funding.
Reapply if Denied and Update When Circumstances Change
Denials often mean funding temporarily depleted—reapply monthly. If your financial situation worsens (job loss, increased bills), notify programs to reassess. Grants often renew quarterly or annually—set reminders to reapply.
Essential Resources
🎗️ American Cancer Society
Comprehensive breast cancer information, treatment options, survivor resources, and financial assistance programs including lodging and transportation.
đź’— Susan G. Komen
Breast cancer treatment assistance, mammogram screening programs, patient navigation, and financial resource directory.
🤝 CancerCare
Free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs.
đź’Š Patient Access Network (PAN)
Copay assistance for insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs. Multiple cancer medication funds including breast cancer-specific programs.
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