Patient Support Fund Program
Program Overview
The AIOF “Patient Support Fund” has been created to address patient needs related to access to care and alleviate financial burdens for cancer patients. When other means are unavailable, the AIOF Patient Support Fund serves as a safety net to provide financial support to meet individual unique needs of Alaskans and address barriers to care as they are undergoing cancer treatment. Assistance is offered for expenses such as transportation, lodging, basic necessities, some medical expenses, and other items that are necessary for care. Additional detail below.
Support is to be offered to qualifying patients regardless of where care is received. This could be surgical oncology, medical oncology, or radiation oncology providers. The financial support to be provided includes up to $1,000 per patient per year. Assistance is provided on a first come first serve basis and is subject to funding availability.
Patient Support Fund FAQ’s
Who is eligible to receive support?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:
1. Patients have a diagnosis of cancer and are receiving treatment under the care of a physician.
2. Financial support is necessary to gain access to care.
3. Necessary support is not covered by insurance or other available resources (grants, community providers, etc.)
How do I apply?
1. The Patient Support Fund request must be submitted by a member of your medical care team. This can include your oncology provider, radiation oncology provider, oncology patient navigator or social worker, etc. If you are in financial need due to your cancer diagnosis, contact a member of your care team directly to explore support options.
2. The patient must complete the Patient Support Fund Intake Form and return it to their care team member for them to apply for funds. The intake form must be completed in its entirety before funds are reviewed for approval.
How much money is available?
We currently provide financial support for up to $1,000 per patient per year. As our mission of this fund is to support access to care for all cancer patients, we know Alaska comes with challenges, including high cost/expenses. If the requested need is more than $1,000 you can submit a waiver identifying why the cost goes beyond the amount of $1,000.
How do I submit a waiver?
The patient application provides an option to mark if you are requesting a waiver for more than $1,000. If you mark this on the application you must include why this additional cost is being requested within the explanation of need section on the intake form and submit supporting documents such as an invoice, rental agreement, or other supporting documents with your request.
How will I receive Payment?
Payment is made directly to where the funds are due. Primary form of payment is by credit card made directly by AIOF following approval of funds. If credit card payment is not an option ACH payment (bank transfer) or payment by check are secondary forms of payment available.
*Please note: ACH payments take 5-7 business days and checks can take 2-3 weeks to be received via mail.
How long will approval of funds take?
Once a request is submitted by the member of your care team AIOF will coordinate directly with them to confirm details and arrange payment. The entire process can take as little as 1-3 days or up to a few weeks depending on how much coordination is needed. Each case is unique, and every effort is made for a thorough and timely process. If the need for funds is emergent or time-sensitive, please notify your care team member to coordinate appropriately.
*Please note: No request is approved until all elements of the request are submitted.
What counts as acceptable documentation for showing financial need?
There is no specific income limit for eligibility of funds. We know that cost of living is increasing, and out-of-pocket medical expenses can cause significant financial burden on someone facing cancer. We take all information into consideration when approving requests. To show financial need we ask that all patients submit at least ONE of the following documents:
• Most recent tax return or W-2 or
• Last three pay stubs or
• Proof of government assistance (Medicaid or SNAP) or
• Social Security Income Verification Letter or
• Letter of Approval for financial assistance/charity care from a hospital/medical system or
• Any other documents supporting income type.
What can funds NOT be used for?
Funds cannot be used for non-essential travel, credit card payments, fines or penalties, non-medical home renovations, luxury accommodations, fundraising costs, political fees, or legal fees.
Funds cannot be used as cash and/or other items like or similar to cash. Gift Cards are not available except for purchasing a gas card, which its sole purpose is to pay for gas at an acceptable gas station.
Funds cannot be used to make payments to another medical facility to cover medical bills. Patients are encouraged to seek assistance directly with the provider/clinic/institution in which funds are owed. Patients can also work with members of their care team to identify other financial assistance identified to specifically assist with co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for medical care.
What is covered under transportation?
Funds can be used to cover flights, costs of travel to and from hospitals or clinics, especially for those located outside of service areas. Also covered are gas cards, bus passes, parking fees, RV pads, boat mooring, or other transportation needs to access appropriate medical care related to your cancer diagnosis. This could also include taxi or ride shares if not covered under other existing grants/support programs the patient or clinic has access to.
We understand that Alaska transportation needs are unique, and the goal is to help address the patient’s personal circumstances where transportation creates a barrier in accessing cancer-related medical care. This can also include travel for an escort, when defined by a physician as medically necessary, to support a patient when the patient’s transportation is covered by other means.
Note: Lower cost travel options should be the priority, but due to unique landscape and vast distance in Alaska, alternate options may be considered when patients live outside of the clinic service area.
What is covered under lodging or basic needs?
Funds can be used for hotels/lodging related to cancer care, rental assistance, direct payment of utilities, phone bills, car insurance, and other basic needs. We are committed to our mission to help Alaskans impacted by cancer by accessing the care they need. If you are not sure your needs are covered, contact your care team, patient navigator, or social worker to explore available options.
What is covered under “other expenses”?
No one’s cancer journey is the same and no one person’s support needs are the same. While some items are clearly identified as something the Patient Support Fund can cover, there may be other items that are not specifically listed but can still be covered by this fund.
Items such as durable medical equipment (DME), prescriptions, counseling/therapy, funding for participation in support group retreats/events, day care cost or temporary childcare (by a licensed facility). If you are unsure if something could be covered talk with a member of your care team to explore best options.
Keep in Touch
Connect with the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation team to learn more about our pillars of giving and our individual clinics.