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Mesothelioma Help Center - Mesothelioma Support
Mesothelioma Help Center - Mesothelioma Support
Quick Links:
Mesothelioma Doctors
Financial Assistance Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
- We support helping and educating mesothelioma patients and family members to obtain the most up-to-date information on treatment options, and connecting them with mesothelioma treatment specialists, and experienced legal support to from experienced mesothelioma lawyers we have sent people to in each state. We also promote and support critically-needed research to develop more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.
- The Mesothelioma Help Center is another tool to give mesothelioma patients and their families the latest and most relevant information about mesothelioma cancer, offer hope and support, and help patients and medical professionals with quick mesothelioma answers and support to find experienced mesothelioma legal representation in your state. We encourage you to send us new information to share with our readers of new treatments and hope for mesothelioma victims.
- Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. For decades, asbestos was used heavily in construction, industry, the Navy, even household products and appliances. It is still present in many homes, schools, and office buildings. The disease can arise from small exposures, and even as much as 50 years later. As a result, each year 4,000 Americans and many thousands more worldwide develop mesothelioma, and millions of us are at risk.
Mesothelioma Doctors
State |
Doctor/Hospital |
Phone Number |
Address |
AL |
UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center |
1-800-UAB-0933 |
1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL |
AZ |
Arizona Cancer Center |
1-800-622-COPE |
1515 North Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724-5024 |
CA |
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center |
(714) 456-8200 |
101 The City Drive, Bldg, 23; Route 81, Orange, CA 92868 |
CA |
Dr. David Jablons (UCSF Cancer Center) |
(415) 885-3882 |
1600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 |
CA |
Dr. Kim Kerstine (City of Hope/Beckman Research Institute) |
1-800-826-HOPE |
1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, California 91010 |
CA |
Dr. Robert Cameron (UCLA Surgery) |
(310) 794-7333 |
10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 |
CA |
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center |
(310) 825-5268 |
8-684 Factor Building , Los Angeles, CA 90095-1781 |
CA |
Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center |
1-858-822-1222 |
3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 |
CA |
USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center |
1-800-USC-CARE |
1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033 |
CO |
University of Colorado Cancer Center |
1-800-473-2288 |
1665 N. Ursula St., Aurora, CO 80045 |
CT |
Yale Cancer Center |
(203) 785-4095 |
333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8028 |
DC |
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker (Washington Cancer Institute) |
(202) 877-3908 |
106 Irving Street NW, Suite 3900N, Washington, DC 20010 |
DC |
Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center |
(202) 784-4000 |
38 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057 |
FL |
Dr. Larry Robinson (Moffitt Cancer Center Institute) |
(813) 972-8412 |
12902 Magnolia Dr. Tampa, FL 33612 |
IL |
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler (University of Chicago Hospitals) |
(773) 702-0360 |
5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 |
IL |
Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University |
(312) 908-5250 |
675 N. St. Clair, Galter Pavilion - 21st floor, Chicago, IL 60611 |
MA |
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute |
1-800-320-0022 |
44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115 |
MA |
Dr. David J. Sugarbaker (Brigham and Women's Hospital) |
(617) 732-6824 |
75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 |
MD |
Dr. Mark Krasna (University of Maryland Cancer Center) |
(410) 328-6366 |
22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 |
MD |
Dr. Stephen Yang (Johns Hopkins Oncology Center) |
(410) 614-3891 |
401 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 |
MI |
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute |
800-KARMANOS |
4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201 |
MI |
Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian (University Michigan Cancer Center) |
(734) 936-5281 |
1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
MN |
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center |
(507) 284-2111 |
200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 |
MN |
University of Minnesota Cancer Center |
(612) 624-8484 |
420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 |
NC |
Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University |
1-800-446-2255 |
Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 |
NC |
Dr. David Harpole (Duke University Medical Center) |
(919) 668-8413 |
Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27706 |
NC |
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center |
(919) 966-3036 |
Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295 |
NE |
Dr. Brian W. Loggie (Creighton University Medical Center) |
(402) 280-4100 |
2500 California Plaza , Omaha, NE 68178 |
NH |
Norris Cotton Cancer Center |
1-800-639-6918 |
1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756 |
NM |
Dr. Claire F. Verschraegen (UNM Cancer Treatment Center) |
(505) 272-4551 |
900 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131 |
NY |
Cancer Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
(718) 430-2302 |
1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 |
NY |
Dr. Harvey Pass (NYU Comprehensive Cancer Center) |
(212) 263-7417 |
530 First Avenue, Suite 9V, NY, NY 10016 |
NY |
Dr. Robert N. Taub, MD (NY Presbyterian Medical Center) |
(212) 305-4076 |
161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032 |
NY |
Drs. Valerie Rusch and Raja Flores (Memorial Sloan-Kettering) |
(212) 639-2806 |
1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021 |
NY |
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center |
(212) 305-9327 |
622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 |
NY |
NYU Cancer Center |
(212) 263-6485 |
550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 |
NY |
Roswell Park Cancer Institute |
1-800-ROSWELL |
Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263 |
OH |
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital |
1-800-293-5066 |
300 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 |
OH |
Case Western Reserve University Hospitals |
(216) 844-8797 |
Wearn 152, 11000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 |
OH |
Dr. David P. Mason (Cleveland Clinic Foundation) |
(216) 444-4053 |
9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195 |
PA |
Dr. Daniel Sterman (University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center) |
(215) 614-0984 |
3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
PA |
Dr. Joseph S. Friedberg (UPenn at Presybterian) |
(215) 662-9195 |
39th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
PA |
Fox Chase Cancer Center |
888-FOX-CHASE |
333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 |
PA |
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute |
1-800-237-4PCI |
5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 |
TX |
Dr. David C. Rice (MD Anderson Cancer Center) |
(713) 794-1477 |
1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 |
TX |
Dr. J Michael DiMaio (UT Southwestern Medical Center) |
(214) 645-7731 |
5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75390-8879 |
TX |
Dr. Roy Smythe (Scott & White) |
(254) 724-2595 |
2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 |
TX |
San Antonio Cancer Institute |
(210) 616-5590 |
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 |
VT |
Vermont Cancer Center |
(802) 656-4414 |
89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405 |
WA |
Dr. Eric Vallieres (University of Washington Medical Center) |
(206) 598-4477 |
1959 NE Pacific, Seattle, WA 98195 |
WA |
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center |
(206) 667-5000 |
1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109 |
WA |
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance |
(206) 288-1024 |
825 Eastlake Avenue E, Seattle WA 98109 |
WI |
Comprehensive Cancer Center |
1-800-622-8922 |
600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-6164 |
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Financial Assistance Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Cancer imposes heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. For many people, a portion of medical expenses is paid by their health insurance plan. For individuals who do not have health insurance or who need financial assistance to cover health care costs, resources are available, including Government-sponsored programs and services supported by nonprofit organizations. Cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns they may have about health care costs with their physician, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.
Listed below are Government agencies, organizations, and programs that are designed to provide assistance for cancer patients and their families. Resources provided by individual organizations vary, and it is important to check with a specific group to determine if financial aid is currently available. Organizations that provide publications in Spanish or have Spanish-speaking staff have been identified.
Cancer Treatment
Government
-
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Through grants to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face-to-face interactive sessions, public education presentations and programs, and media activities.
Trained counselors offer information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on a wide range of Medicare and Medicaid, and Medigap matters, including, Medicare+Choice health plan options, long-term care insurance, claims and billing problem resolution, information and referral on public benefit programs for those with limited income and assets, and other health insurance benefit information.
To locate a SHIP program in your area click here (hyperlink to http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp and you will be taken to the SHIP listing on Medicare.gov. In addition, you can be referred to your SHIP by contacting 1-800-Medicare and asking for health insurance counseling.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care offers Health Centers that provide health care to low-income and other vulnerable populations. Health Centers care for people regardless of their ability to pay. They provide primary and preventive health care, as well as services such as transportation and translation. To locate a Health Center , visit the “Service Delivery Sites” Web page at http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ on the Internet.
- Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction and modernization funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide a reasonable volume of services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization and make their services available to all residents in the facility's area. Information about Hill-Burton facilities is available by calling the toll-free number or visiting the Web site shown below. A brochure about the program is available in Spanish.
Telephone: 1-800-638-0742 ( Maryland residents call 1-800-492-0359)
Web site: http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/default.htm
- Medicaid (Medical Assistance), a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for people who need financial assistance for medical expenses, is coordinated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). At a minimum, states must provide home care services to people who receive Federal income assistance such as Social Security Income and Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Medicaid coverage includes part-time nursing, home care aide services, and medical supplies and equipment. Information about coverage is available from local state welfare offices, state health departments, state social services agencies, or the state Medicaid office. Check the local telephone directory for the number to call. Information about specific state contacts is also available on the Web site listed below. Spanish-speaking staff is available in some offices.
Telephone: 1- 877-267-2323
Web site: http://www.cms.gov/medicaid/consumer.asp
- Medicare is a Federal health insurance program also administered by the CMS. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and disabled people under age 65. Medicare is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A pays for hospital care, home health care, hospice care, and care in Medicare-certified nursing facilities. Part B covers medically necessary services, including diagnostic studies, physicians' services, durable home medical equipment, and ambulance transportation; Part B also covers screening exams for several types of cancer. To receive information on eligibility, explanations of coverage, and related publications, call Medicare at the number listed below or visit their Web site. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff is available.
Telephone: 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: http://www.medicare.gov
- The Veterans Administration (VA) provides eligible veterans with treatment for service-connected injuries and other medical conditions. The VA offers limited medical benefits to family members of eligible veterans. The VA cancer program provides users of the veterans' health care system easy access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. Its Web site offers cancer facts, information about care, a list of VA-designated comprehensive cancer centers, and the VA's national cancer strategy. For more information about the VA cancer program, visit the VA Cancer Web page at http://www1.va.gov/cancer/index.cfm on the Internet. Some publications are available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff is available in some offices.
Telephone: 1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS)
Web site: http://www1.va.gov/health/
Nonprofit Organizations
- The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MRFA) is a national nonprofit organization with the goal of finding better treatments for this difficult cancer. It offers free information and practical help to people with mesothelioma and their loved ones, and provides funding for mesothelioma research studies. For instance, MRFA is currently funding the phase II Veglin trial at the USC/Norris comprehensive cancer center.
Telephone: 1-800-909-MESO (6376)
Web site: http://www.mesorfa.org
- Patient Assistance Programs are offered by some pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. To learn whether a specific drug might be available at reduced cost through such a program, talk with a physician or a medical social worker or visit the drug manufacturer's Web site. Most pharmaceutical companies will have a section titled “patient assistance programs” on their Web site. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has information about more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs.
Telephone: 1-888-477-2669 (1-888-4PPA-NOW)
Web site: https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
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Practical Needs
In addition to cancer treatments, many cancer patients need assistance paying for transportation to and from medical appointments and basic living expenses such as food and housing. Listed below are organizations dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families during and after the patient's treatment.
Government
- Eldercare Locator is a referral service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eldercare Locator information specialists will link callers with state and area agencies on aging for information and referral to local agencies that provide a wide array of senior services. This service is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST.
Telephone: 1-800-677-1116
- GovBenefits.gov is a partnership of Federal agencies with a shared vision to provide improved, personalized access to government assistance programs. This Web site's online screening tool is free, easy-to-use, and completely confidential. The user answers a series of questions, then the Web site generates a list of government benefit programs that the user may be eligible to receive, along with information about how the user can apply.
Telephone: 1-800-333-4636 (1-800-FED-INFO)
Web site: http://www.govbenefits.gov
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the Government agency that oversees Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. Social Security provides monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. More information about these and other SSA programs is available by calling the toll-free number listed below. Spanish-speaking staff are available. Additional contact information for the SSA is available at http://www.ssa.gov/reach.htm on the Internet.
Telephone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is administered by the SSA and supplements Social Security payments for aged, blind, and disabled people with little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to file a claim is available from the SSA. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is available at https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps12/best/benefits/ on the Internet.
Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/notices/supplemental-security-income/
Nonprofit Organizations
- The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MRFA) is a national nonprofit organization with the goal of finding better treatments for this difficult cancer. It offers free information and practical help to people with mesothelioma and their loved ones, and provides funding for mesothelioma research studies. For instance, MRFA is currently funding the phase II Veglin trial at the USC/Norris comprehensive cancer center.
Telephone: 1-800-909-MESO (6376)
Web site: http://www.mesorfa.org
- The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MRFA) Cancer Survivors Network (1-800-909-6376)
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers programs that help cancer patients, family members, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face. To get information about these programs, call the national ACS office, or find a local ACS office by typing your location into the search boxes on the “My Local ACS Office” Web page at http://www.cancer.org/asp/search/mla/mla_global.asp?navToScreen=mla_0 on the Internet. Some materials are published in Spanish. Spanish-speaking staff is available.
Telephone: 1-800-227-2345 (1-800-ACS-2345)
Web site: http://www.cancer.org
Other Resources
In addition to the Government-sponsored programs and organizations already listed, these general resources may also be helpful:
Government
- Some nonprofit community hospitals are able to provide care for patients in need of financial assistance. Other hospitals have indigent or charity care programs funded by state and local governments. For information about these programs, contact a hospital social worker, who will be able to explain these types of programs. Another type of assistance may be offered through your local health department. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Information Service may be able to provide information about local programs by phone at 1-800-4-CANCER (800 422-6237).
State and local social services agencies can provide help with food, housing, prescription drugs, transportation, and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs. Information can be obtained by contacting your state or local agency; this number is found in the local telephone directory.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide information about tax deductions for medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies. For example, tax deductible expenses might include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs or equipment, and the cost of meals during lengthy medical visits. Deductible-qualified medical expenses include those incurred by the patient, spouse, and dependents. Medical expenses may also be deducted for someone who would have qualified as a dependent for the purpose of taking personal exemptions except that the person did not meet the gross income or joint return test. Nursing home expenses are allowable as medical expenses in certain instances. If the patient, a spouse, or dependent is in a nursing home, and the primary reason for being there is for medical care, the entire cost, including meals and lodging, is a medical expense. The local IRS office, tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine whether medical costs are tax deductible.
Telephone: 1-800-829-1040
Web site: http://www.irs.gov
Nonprofit Organizations
Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the United Way of America, Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, and Catholic Charities may offer help. These organizations are listed in your local phone directory. Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members.
Drug Assistance Programs (Indigent Drug Programs)
Patient Assistance Programs are offered by many pharmaceutical manufacturers to help pay for medications. These programs are sometimes called Indigent Drug Programs. To learn whether a specific drug might be available at reduced cost or for free through such a program, talk with a physician or a medical social worker or visit the drug manufacturer's web site. Most pharmaceutical companies will have a section entitled “patient assistance programs” on their web site.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has information about more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs. If you have easy internet access then this website is the best place to start for getting financial assistance to pay for the drugs your doctor is recommending. You can type in the name of the drug and see right away what programs are available to you.
Telephone: 1-888-477-2669 (1-888-4PPA-NOW)
Web site: https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
At the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, you can call toll free (800) 909-Meso (6376) to talk with one of our Cancer Information Specialists who will gladly look up the phone numbers or the web site of the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug you are using. They can explain to you the process of getting the drug for free. Typically your doctor will need to sign off on the application form. You can either fill the form out online or you can print it out. The most commonly used drug for mesothelioma is doxorubicin, also called Doxil. For example, you can apply for that drug at http://www.doxiline.com.
You can also call toll free number to the pharmaceutical company to request the application form be sent to you.
Telephone Numbers of Some Pharmaceutical Companies' Assistance Programs
Company |
Drug |
Toll-free Telephone Number |
Ortho Biotech Products |
doxorubicin (aka Doxil) |
800 553-3851 |
Sicor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Carboplatin, Cisplatin |
800 729-9991 |
Pfizer |
Camptosar, Lyrica, Motrin |
866-776-3700 |
National Organizations That Can Help
People with cancer and their families sometimes need assistance coping with the emotional as well as the practical aspects of their disease. This fact sheet includes some of the national nonprofit organizations that provide this type of support. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all organizations that offer these services in the United States, nor does inclusion of any particular organization imply endorsement by the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America. The intent of this fact sheet is to provide information useful to individuals nationally. For that reason, it does not include the many local groups that offer valuable assistance to patients and their families in individual states or cities.
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
Telephone: 404-320-3333
Toll Free: 1-800-227-2345 (1-800-ACS-2345)
Web site: http://www.cancer.org
The ACS is a voluntary organization that offers a variety of services to patients and their families. The ACS also supports research, provides printed materials, and conducts educational programs. Staff can accept calls and distribute publications in Spanish. A local ACS unit may be listed in the white pages of the telephone directory under “American Cancer Society.”
Source : www.mesorfa.org
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