I’m a nurse who lost my job due to COVID-19 and was just diagnosed with cancer without insurance. I’m kind lost because most cancer hospital do not take people without insurance.

2020-06-19 00:00:00 -0400

Unfortunately, being uninsured, underinsured, or finding health insurance can be extremely difficult as one proceeds with cancer treatment. I can understand many mixed emotions when diagnosed as well as continuing through several hardships and obstacles that may arise. Please know you are not alone, and there may be several options to explore.

CancerCare offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs such as transportation and child care, and our oncology social workers can help you find resources. CancerCare also now provides free national Resource Navigation Services to patients, post-treatment survivors and caregivers affected by cancer. We offer a short-term, strengths-based approach to resource navigation where the social worker will work with the client in connecting them to resources, referrals and financial assistance.

Depending where you live, there may be state options to access medical insurance coverage. Triage Cancer is an extremely helpful resource in navigating health insurance concerns. Additionally, I would recommend taking look at the Healthcare Marketplace. I am also wondering if there are any short-term benefits or unemployment benefits that you may be eligible for.