Q: Who is eligible to receive support?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following: 1. Patient has a diagnosis of cancer and is 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.) 4. Financial need must be documented

Q: Can I, the patient, apply for this directly?

No . This application must be completed by a care team member who is a part of your cancer care. 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.

Q: What is the waiver process for?

We currently provide financial support of $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 initial $1,000 amount.

Q: How long will the payment process take?

Once the application is submitted you will receive confirmation of approval within 1-2 business days. Once you have received approval of funds payment will be received within 7-10 business days. If urgent funds are needed for acute situations a credit card payment can be utilized. This will be coordinated through the requesting party.

Question 1

Who is eligible to receive support?

Accepted Answer

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:
1. Patient has a diagnosis of cancer and is 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.)
4. Financial need must be documented

Question 2

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

This application can be submitted by any medical care team member or support services team member of a patient who is navigating a cancer diagnosis. This includes medical oncologist or radiation oncologist providers or support staff, surgeon/surgery office for cancer related treatment/procedures, oncology patient navigators, oncology social workers, etc.

Question 3

Can I, the patient, apply for this directly?

Accepted Answer

No. This application must be completed by a care team member who is a part of your cancer care. 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.

Question 4

What is the waiver process for?

Accepted Answer

We currently provide financial support of $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 initial $1,000 amount.

Question 5

How do I submit a waiver?

Accepted Answer

Within the application it provides an option to check if you are requesting a waiver to go beyond the $1,000. If you choose this option, you must include documentation stating and identify why a higher amount is needed, beyond the initial $1,000. You will include documentation of this within the “Explanation of Need” section and submit supporting documentation such as an invoice of the cost amount.

Question 6

How will I receive Payment?

Accepted Answer

The primary and preferred form of payment is via a written check directly to the entity/person(s) needing payment. A written check is the only form of payment for reimbursement requests.
If the need for payment is urgent/acute a credit card payment can be utilized.

Question 7

How long will the payment process take?

Accepted Answer

Once the application is submitted you will receive confirmation of approval within 1-2 business days. Once you have received approval of funds payment will be received within 7-10 business days. If urgent funds are needed for acute situations a credit card payment can be utilized. This will be coordinated through the requesting party.

Question 8

What counts as acceptable documentation to show financial need?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate financial need for a patient support fund, applicants can provide various documents, including recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to show income and account balances. Proof of government assistance (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid), employment verification letters, and expense statements (e.g., rent, utilities, medical bills) can also be included.

Question 9

What can funds NOT be used for?

Accepted Answer

Funds cannot be used or cash and other items similar to cash, luxury items or non-essential travel, credit card payments, fines or penalties, non-medical home renovations, luxury accommodations, fundraising costs, political fees, or legal fees.

Question 10

What is covered under transportation?

Accepted Answer

Funds can be used to cover the costs of travel to and from hospitals or clinics, especially for those located outside of service area, gas cards, bus pass, parking fees, RV pad, boat mooring, or other access related requirements, etc. (This could also include taxi and shared rides 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 dictate as transportation barriers. This can also include travel for family member, defined by physician as necessary to support patient when patient 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, air may be a considered option when patient lives outside of the clinic service area.

Note: Unless in specific situations, transportation is for patient and support person(s), not shipping of personal items. Waiver process can include a request for transporting of identified personal belongings, such as a car or other personal items that are necessary for care in separate service area, and return trip of belongings at conclusion of care.

Question 11

What is covered under lodging or basic needs?

Accepted Answer

Funds can be used to cover lodging and other short-term accommodations, rental and utility assistance, as well as food/groceries and other nutritional support.

Note that food/grocery support is reimbursement only.

Question 12

What is covered under medical expenses or other expenses?

Accepted Answer

Funds can be used for items like medication, supplements, medical equipment (not covered by insurance or other means). Other expense funds can be used for includes items such as:

o Childcare expenses to licensed childcare provider, such as assistance with daycare costs or temporary childcare services during treatment.

o Psychosocial support: psychosocial support, counseling, funding for participation in support groups and workshops.

Patient Support Fund Program

Program Overview

Link to Apply:

Patient Support Fund FAQ’s