What is Cancer Assistance?
The Cancer Assistance Unit (it used to be called the Cancer Control Program) is a part of the North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Program.  It provides information on cancer-related resources, services, and financial assistance for men and women with all types of cancers.

What kind of financial assistance might I get?
Cancer Assistance covers payment of medical care for eligible persons who need services for cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment.

• It can cover inpatient, outpatient, or office/clinic services.

How do I qualify?
To qualify for Cancer Assistance you must meet the following requirements:

1. Residency
   • U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of North Carolina, or a migrant farmworker or the dependent of one.
     • INS documentation is required if you have applied for U.S. citizenship or a permanent resident visa.
2. Financial
   • Income is based 115% of the federal poverty level.  (Refer to the Financial Eligibility Income Scale)
   • Not eligible for Medicaid and have little or no health insurance.
3. Medical 
   • Have symptoms or conditions that indicate cancer or be diagnosed as having cancer.
   • Have an estimated 25% or better chance of 5-year survival at the time of treatment.

What does Cancer Assistance pay for?  

• Diagnostic services for up to 8 days for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
• Treatment services for up to 30 days for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
• Follow-up services may be covered for up to 2 days if they fall within the 8 or 30 days allowed.
• Coverage usually includes doctor services in both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient as well as clinic or office visits.
• Payment is paid directly to the medical care provider or health care facility.

What is not covered?
Cancer Assistance does not cover:

• Treatments or efforts that lessen pain, side-effects, or other discomforts (palliative procedures)
• Drugs or medicines used outside the treatment facility
• Cost of travel mileage to and from diagnosis or treatment appointments

Sources for more information

Submission of Applications and Claims

Insurance and Appropriate Coordination With Other Insurers