Financial help for IBC stage IV

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Sandlake
Sandlake Member Posts: 211
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

Hi, I am a TNBC survivor trying to find help for my step mom who is being treated for IBC stage IV.  This is her second BC.  She is 69yrs old, retired living on a set pension and trying to pay and keep up with her medical bills.  My dad is 80yrs old, it is a lot for him to absorb with all the treatments and drs appts.  Is there help through SSDI? or anything else?  I hate to see them struggling so much over this issue.  Any advice would be very helpful to me and my family!!

Cyndi

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  • EnglishMajor
    EnglishMajor Member Posts: 2,495
    edited March 2013

    In addition to the resources listed in this thread, I would try calling the American Cancer Society and see if they can direct you to help where your mom lives. (I don't think the ACS itself grants $, but they may be able to point you in the right direction.)

    If you haven't done so (and provided you have HIPPA authority) check with where your mom gets treatment--if they have a social worker, check with that person. It may also be worth calling the hopital financial department to see if your mom is eligible for any help it may offer.

    Another consideration--does your mom have a life insurance policy? Some policies have an accelerated death benefit clause. Essentially, they policy holder can get the insurance payout now--with no penalty.  Depending on your parents' situation, this may be worth checking out.

    Hope this helps!

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  • Sandlake
    Sandlake Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2013

    EnglishMajor

    I will mention the life insurance policy to them, that is great advice!  I will advice them again to check with their hospital social worker.  She says it's a small hospital and they don't offer that service!  I will talk to my dad about it. 

    I appreciate your help!!  Thank you.

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited March 2013

    At this point SSDI would be a moot point since she is 69 and already drawing her max SS if she is eligible. She should be on Medicare. Again it depends on if she and her husband paid into SS when they were working.



    Perhaps there is a county social services agency or any breast cancer support groups in the next largest city

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  • Sandlake
    Sandlake Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2013

    Chickadee

    I didn't know if there was a difference between SS and SSDI.  They both worked and paid into SS.  I'm not sure about their supplement insurance.  Living in the U.P. of Mi, they are driving a lot of miles for drs and treatments!  Thank you for helping me!!

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