What financial assistance is available to those with multiple myeloma (MM)?

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If a person has no insurance or insufficient private insurance, financial assistance for treatment costs may be available from the following:

• federal and state government agencies
• community payment assistance programs
• charities

Several other organizations offer discounts and other assistance, especially for medications.

However, people with MM may have a range of other expenses, including transportation, housing away from home, food, and caregiving. According to the ACS, some of the above resources may also help with these costs.

If someone can no longer work, they may be eligible for disability benefits under Social Security, which would give them money to cover living expenses, such as rent and food.

Below are resources for some of these needs.

Assistance may come from the following:

Private and government insurance options

If people have private health insurance, the first step involves calling their insurer and talking with a benefits coordinator. The discussion should include what costs it does and does not cover, and what copays and deductibles to expect.

Those without insurance can visit HealthCare.gov, a database of health insurance options the Department of Health and Human Services provides.

Payment plans

Individuals concerned about affording treatment can discuss their concerns with a doctor or hospital billing office. These resources can either provide information about reduced rates and payment plans, or they can offer a referral to someone, such as a social worker on staff, who can.

Charities

The foundations and charities below may help.

• LLS: This organization helps with copays and certain other costs for people with blood cancers, such as MM. The phone number is (877) 557-2672.
• HealthWell Foundation: This group helps with premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses. The phone number is (800) 675-8416.
• CancerCare: This organization offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs. The phone number is (800) 813‑HOPE (4673).
• Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition: This group has financial assistance programs for individuals with cancer.

Medication assistance programs

Aside from all of the above that offer financial assistance for treatment in general, some programs provide it for medications, specifically.

• NeedyMeds, which lists organizations that help pay for medications and supplies.
• Medicine Assistance Tool is a search tool that helps someone find drug manufacturers with programs offering at lower or no cost to individuals who meet their guidelines.
• GoodRx is a website that compares prices and offers coupons at more than 70,000 pharmacies

Below are some resources for transportation assistance.

• Medicare and Medicaid: These programs may help with transportation to and from doctor’s offices and medical centers for cancer treatment.
• ACS Road to Recovery Program: In many areas, this program provides trained volunteers to drive people and their families to clinics and hospitals for treatment. The phone number is 1-(800) 227-2345.
• Patient Aid Program: The LLS offers this program, which can help with the cost of parking and gas for some individuals with blood cancer. The phone number is (877) 557-2672.
• Mercy Medical Angels: This organization provides cost-effective non-emergency transportation.
• NeedyMeds: This program can help with transportation and travel expenses for people who cannot afford to pay.

The following are resources for housing and general living expenses:

Short-term housing

Many treatment centers have short-term discount housing set up with nearby hotels. Additional resources for housing help include:

• ACS Hope Lodge: This organization provides a free place for families to stay when treatment is far from home. The phone number is (800) 227-2345.
• Healthcare Hospitality Network: This organization of nearly 200 nonprofit groups provides housing at low or no cost. The phone number is (800) 318-8861.
• Extended Stay America: This group partners with a hotel chain to offer discounted rooms. The phone number is (800) 227-2345.

General living expenses

People with MM have cost-of-living expenses, such as rent, utilities, and food, that every person has. If they are unable to work, they may qualify for monthly benefits from either of two government programs, which would provide for such basic expenses.

These programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for individuals who have a work history long enough to meet the qualifying criteria, while SSI is for those who have financial need and do not have a qualifying work history.

According to the SS blue book, which lists disabilities that may qualify, someone with MM may be eligible if one of the following applies.

• They have not responded to therapy.
• Their cancer has progressed after initial treatment.
• They have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant less than 12 months prior. SS considers this a disability until at least 12 months have passed.

Multiple myeloma financial assistance can come from different government or community resources, as well as various charities and foundations.

For example, people who are 65 or older qualify for Medicare, and those with limited income may be eligible for Medicaid. Doctors’ offices and hospitals may offer discounts or payment plans, which can make it more manageable to keep up with bills. A range of charities offer help with treatment, transportation, housing, and other costs.

Individuals unable to work may qualify for SS disability benefits, which can help with basic living costs.