Welcome back! This blog provides financial resources and information for people living with cancer. In this post, I want to focus on resources for young adults, ages 19-39.
A cancer diagnosis at any age can be devastating. Young adults face additional challenges, as many are just leaving high school or college and entering the work force. Typically, their income is lower than older adults. Additionally, they have less saved paid time off, and may be employed at jobs with less flexibility, and limited health insurance coverage. As a parent of a young adult with cancer, you may be unsure where your boundaries are in their treatment plan as well as their finances.
Where do I start?
Your initial primary focus needs to be determining your cancer treatment plan and your support team. Pediatric cancer treatment centers usually offer services up to age 19-20, however some programs are extending to age 25. On a personal note, if you can take advantage of services at a pediatric cancer center that accepts young adults, do it. Seeing other young adult patients in treatment can be a welcoming support when you are starting this journey. The typical adult oncology treatment center may not have many young adult patients, so it is harder to find age-appropriate peer support.
Depending on your age and family dynamics, you will need to determine who will be included in your personal support team. Your parents, siblings over age 18, and spouses are some of the many options. Keep in mind that your support team may make medical decisions for you in cases of an emergency. Clear communication of your choices will prevent confusion and arguments if you are unable to make your own medical decisions.
Your cancer treatment team can provide contact information for support services, such as social workers, nurse navigators, financial counselors, etc. These professionals will be able to guide your cancer journey and provide resources along the way.
Next steps:
After a cancer treatment plan, location and schedule have been determined, it is time to get organized.
- Talk with your cancer treatment team about schedules and potential side effects that may result in you or your support team missing work. Be realistic in your ability to resume working during this extremely emotional time.
- You and your support team need to talk with respective managers or Human Resources (HR) department for options, which may include FMLA, see FMLA -The Family and Medical Leave Act | Living with cancer take my hand or donated sick time from colleagues.
- If you do not have a generous amount of paid time off hours saved, and are unable to use donated sick time, you may be eligible for time off without pay. Plan for a decreased income for the timeframe of your treatment.
- If you are a young adult who is the primary subscriber (you pay the health insurance premium and your employment is the basis of membership in the insurance plan), talk with your cancer treatment team before quitting your job. Part time employment can be an option that may allow for continued health insurance benefits. Commercial health insurance plans may offer greater flexibility in treatment options.
Financial help:
Young adults over age 18 will find it challenging to find financial resources. Federal resources are available if your treatment will extend more than 12 months and you meet criteria for disability.
- For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), no work history is required.
- For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a minimum work history is required under age 40: How You Earn Credits 2021 (ssa.gov).
- You can find more information at: Disability Benefits | SSA .
- Remember that health insurance coverage is not always automatic with either the SSI or the SSDI program.
- I have found it helpful to call directly to social security at 1-800-772-1213. You will have a wait time, but once you are connected to a representative, they will guide you through the process.
Contact your state’s Department of Human Services to determine what financial assistance programs are available. New Jersey offers a Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief fund up to age 22. For details, go to: Department of Human Services | Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission Home (nj.gov). Some counties also offer bridge loans to cover the cost of a pediatric diagnosis.
Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance to pay for cancer treatment medications. For more information, go to: Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs | Living with cancer take my hand
Another resource that can connect you to local organizations is calling 2-1-1. This call center offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.
Charitable organizations that offer financial assistance:
Family Reach – A financial lifeline for families fighting cancer.
Patient Assistance Programs | Living with cancer take my hand
I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Jackie
