Cancer Related Financial Concerns

Cancer Related Financial Concerns

The direct and indirect costs of cancer care can be stressful and overwhelming. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer and you are worried about the costs associated with treatment, we have services that may help.

Cost Estimates

Cancer treatment cost estimations are available upon request. General cost estimates are based upon insurance coverage and anticipated co-pays or deductibles. However, a cost estimation may not include specialized treatment or medications that are added later to treatment plans. Estimations cannot be done for patients who have multiple insurance plans or capitated insurance coverage.

To request a cost estimate, go to MyUCDavisHealth portal (formerly MyChart). From the menu bar, click "Estimates” or you can ask a cancer center front desk clerk to submit a request. From a computer or smart phone, go to https://health.ucdavis.edu/login/.

Insurance Coverage

Financial counselors explore options for patients without insurance or who are about to lose coverage.

Specifically, financial counselors:

  • Initiate applications for Covered California or Medi-Cal
  • Apply for full-scope Medi-Cal due to "restricted" Medi-Cal
  • Discuss options for Medicare patients without secondary insurance
  • Provide application information for immigrant insurance coverage through PRUCOL

To speak with a UC Davis Health financial counselor dedicated to helping cancer patients, please call (916) 734-3245.

Medical Bills

The UC Davis Health billing department can provide information about applying to have medical bills reduced or setting up affordable payment plans:

  • MyUcDavisHealth portal (formerly MyChart) in menu go to "financial assistance"
  • From a computer or smart phone go to: http://ucdavis.health/financialassistance
  • By phone, please call UC Davis Health billing department at (916) 734-9200

Pharmacy Costs

Depending on the type of medication, there are also programs to help with the cost of prescriptions. UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center pharmacy technicians assist patients with getting access to oral or self-administered chemotherapy as well as supportive oncology medications.

National patient assistance programs exist to help with infusion-based therapies. Notably, "Needy Meds" is a website to look up pharmaceuticals with co-pay assistance through charity programs. Doctors or nurse case managers can make referrals to a pharmacy technician, who will review the type of help needed.

Patient Financial Assistance

Oncology social workers assess individual situations to see if patients qualify for small grants to help with indirect costs of treatment, such as gas and food. To qualify, cancer patients must be in active treatment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and have an income no greater than 400% of the poverty guidelines.

How to reach a Social Worker

Patients can get a referral to oncology social work by talking to their doctor or calling (916) 734-5959 to request an appointment with an oncology social worker.