The financial concerns that often accompany a cancer diagnosis have an effect on the whole family unit. In addition to accepting the fact that expensive treatment may be necessary, one can't help but be worried about the unpredictable financial future. Often the family income is reduced due to the illness at the same time financial obligations are dramatically increased. It is important to be able to make some financial adjustments at a time when you are faced with change and unknowns. Taking stock of both resources and obligations and determining what changes may need to be made in order to bear this new financial burden is very helpful.

Obtaining assistance with some of these decisions is often helpful. Medical Social Workers, Family Counselors, and Credit Counselors will help you to prioritize your expenses and recommend methods of budgeting for these new medical expenses.

Most people rely exclusively on health insurance to see them through life's occasional medical problems. Unfortunately, with a major illness such as cancer, insurance is not always adequate and other personal resources should be identified.

It may be necessary to contact creditors and inform them of a change in your family's financial status and ability to pay. Many creditors may be willing to arrange a payment plan when they are aware of a family's willingness to pay whatever is possible. It is vital to remain in touch with your creditors, especially if you are unable to meet a payment.

Austin/Travis County Medical Assistance Program (Clinic Card - For Travis County Residents) Provides medical care and prescription medications with a co-payment at designated neighborhood pharmacies for Travis County residents who meet financial guidelines.

How To Appy

For information on where or how to apply for financial assistance, call: 512-469-2000, or call your neighborhood clinic:

• Salvation Army: 512-476-2628
  
  
• AIDS Service of Austin: 512-451-2273
  
  
• Cesar Chavez: 512-469-2108
  
  
• Del Valle / South Rural Community Center: 512-247-0047
  
  
• Jonestown / Northwest Rural Community Center: 512-267-3256
  
  
• Manor East / Rural Health Center: 512-272-5561
  
  
• Northeast Austin Health Center: 512-919-1130
  
  
• Oak Hill / West Rural Community Center: 512-892-0226
  
  
• Pflugerville / North Rural Health Center: 512-251-4168
  
  
• Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center: 512-404-1522
  
  
• South Austin Neighborhood Center: 512-440-9490
  
  
• St. John's Annex: 512-454-1338

Emergency Financial Assistance

Limited emergency financial assistance is available to qualifying individuals and families through several agencies in Austin:

• Baptist Community Services: 512-478-7243
  
  
• Candlelighters: 512-478-4618
  
  
• Caritas: 512-472-4135
  
  
• Christian Service Center ( 9 am -12 noon only ): 512-476-9584
  
  
• Clarksville Neighborhood Center: 512-476,7876
  
  
• East Rural Community Center: 512-272-5561
  
  
• Leukemia Society of America: 1-800-955-4572
  
  
• Peoples Community Clinic: 512-478-4939
  
  
• Prescription Drug Indigent Programs: 1-800-762-4636
  
  
• Salvation Army: 512-476-2628
  
  
• Seton East Clinic: 512-324-4930
  
  
• Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
  
  
• Travis County Department of Human Services Emergency Assistance: 512-473-4120

PLEASE ALSO CONTACT THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES:

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)

For disabled persons who have worked and paid into Social Security for five of the last ten years. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For aged and disabled who are financially eligible.

Texas Department of Health
512-458-7261
Website Address: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
Medicaid, Food Stamps

1165 Airport Blvd: 512-929-7330
2201 Post Road: 512-444-0511
1601 Rutherford Lane: 512-339-4421

Texas Department of Human Services: 512-834-0162

Texas Department of Human Services
Provides subsistence income to one-parent families with dependent children, in cases of serious incapacity and inability to meet children's needs.

1616 Headway Circle: 512-837-2150
10205 North Lamar: 512-908-9622
724 Eberhart: 512-445-0022

Texas Rehabilitation Commission Determining Disabilities Service
Provides rehabilitation services for persons with physical or mental disability which constitutes a severe handicap to employment.

Main: 512-445-8000
Central Office: 512-424-4000
East Austin: 512-926-1446
North Austin: 512-458-9121
South Austin: 512-448-2333

University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Project For women who have low or no income and are residents of Travis County. 512-441-7414

Veterans County Service Office - Travis County
100 North IH-35, Suite 2400
Austin, Texas 78701

Helps veterans apply for financial benefits and provides legal advice as well as counseling and other information.
Local: 512-473-9340
Regional: Provides rehabilitation services for persons with physical or mental disability which constitutes a severe handicap to employment. 1-800-827-1000