Housing (5)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
Benton Franklin Community Action Committee — Home Weatherization
This program offers weatherization to low-income family housing regardless if heating with electricity, oil, gas or wood. This free program is available to renters and homeowners living in...
Benton Franklin Community Action Committee — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Community Action Connections (CAC) is providing energy assistance to residents of Benton and Franklin Counties who meet the listed requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of...
Kennewick Housing Authority — Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary...
Benton Franklin Community Action Committee — Benton Franklin Housing Continuum of Care
CAC has a variety of funding sources for housing assistance each with its own set of eligibility criteria.This program provides:- Financial assistance for those individuals/families who are...
Food (4)
Northwest Harvest
Statewide food bank network providing free groceries to patients and families.
Cancer Nutrition Consortium — WA
Free nutrition counseling and meal planning for patients undergoing treatment.
Tri-Cities Food Bank — Emergency Food
Tri-Cities Food Bank offers Emergency Food distribution to individuals and families in the community who are in need of assistance obtaining nourishing foods.This program provides:- Food to meet...
Jubilee Ministry — The Prosser Food Bank
The Prosser Food Bank exists to lend a helping hand to local individuals and families in need of food assistance.Service:- Food BankProsser residents in need of food assistance may visit the food...
Mental Health (6)
Cancer Lifeline — Emotional Support
Free professional counseling and support groups for patients and caregivers.
Gilda's Club Seattle
Free support groups, workshops, and social activities for anyone affected by cancer.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA — WA
Free 12-week wellness program for cancer survivors focusing on recovery.
Cancer Pathways
Free support groups, lectures, workshops, and social events for people living with cancer and families.
Team Survivor Northwest
Free fitness and health programs for women cancer survivors including yoga, aquatics, and hiking.
Harmony Hill Cancer Retreats
Free 3-day residential cancer healing retreats at a Hood Canal retreat center with peer support.
Money (10)
PAN Foundation — Cancer Programs
Financial help with copays and insurance premiums for specific cancer diagnoses.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
Coalition connecting patients to organizations offering financial help for treatment.
WA Apple Health (Medicaid)
State Medicaid program providing coverage for qualifying cancer patients and families.
HealthPoint Community Health — WA
Sliding-scale medical services for uninsured and underinsured patients.
HealthWell Foundation
Manages 40+ cancer assistance funds covering copays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Washington Department of Social and Health Services — Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Supports (CIIBS)
Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support (CIIBS) waiver supports youth at risk of out-of-home placement due to challenging behaviors. The CIIBS model involves wraparound planning and family...
Yakima - Tri-Cities - Kittitas Orthotics and Prosthetics — Evaluations and Products
The Evaluations and Products services coordinate patients, their physical therapists and physicians and our staff in order to link those in need with the quality orthotic and prosthetic devices....
Tri-Cities Community Health — Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant women, postpartum women and children under the age of five. WIC provides:- health screenings- nutrition education- nutrient-rich foods- breastfeeding...
City of Richland Customer Service Office — Low Income Services
City of Richland Customer Service Office provides reduced utility rates for low-income residents with disabilities and low-income senior residents. This program provides: - Help paying for...
Benton Franklin Community Action Committee — Prescription Assistance
This program provides prescription assistance for individuals who do not have the means to pay and/or do not have medical insurance that covers prescription once in twelve (12) calendar months....
Legal (6)
Northwest Justice Project
Free legal services for low-income cancer patients across Washington State.
Cancer Legal Resource Center
Free information and referrals on cancer-related legal issues.
Disability Rights Washington
Help with disability rights, ADA protections, and SSDI applications.
Northwest Health Law Advocates (NoHLA)
Health equity organization helping with insurance disputes, Medicaid access, and health coverage barriers.
Columbia Legal Services
Free civil legal aid advancing racial and economic justice for low-income Washingtonians.
End of Life Washington
Free support and advance directive forms for people facing terminal or serious illness in WA.
Care (4)
WA Family Caregiver Support Program
Respite care, training, and support for family members caring for cancer patients.
Aging & Long-Term Support — WA DSHS
State-funded in-home services for patients who need help with daily activities.
A Caring Closet — Vancouver
Free durable medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds in SW Washington.
Community Home Health & Hospice — Longview
Community-based hospice and home health services for terminally ill patients in SW Washington.
Children & Family (4)
Camp Goodtimes — WA
Free summer camp for children with cancer with outdoor adventures and peer support.
Candlelighters — WA
Emotional, financial, and social support for families of children with cancer.
Footprints of Fight
Free house cleaning, grocery cards, and gas cards for WA families during pediatric cancer treatment.
Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington
Grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions creating life-changing experiences.
Your Rights (10)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Protects cancer patients from workplace discrimination. Employers with 15+ employees must provide reasonable accommodations like flexible schedules, modified duties, and leave for treatment.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions including cancer treatment. Your employer must maintain your health insurance during leave.
WA Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Washington State provides up to 12 weeks of PAID leave for cancer treatment, with benefits up to 90% of weekly wages. Can be used as little as one hour per week for ongoing treatments.
WA Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
Broader than federal ADA — protects cancer patients at employers with just 8+ employees. Prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable workplace accommodations for cancer patients and survivors.
Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)
Requires health plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction, prostheses, and treatment of physical complications at all stages of mastectomy.
ACA Pre-Existing Conditions Protection
The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more due to a cancer diagnosis. Marketplace plans must cover essential benefits including cancer treatment.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
Allows you to keep your employer health insurance for up to 18-36 months after losing your job or reducing hours due to cancer. You pay the full premium but maintain your coverage and doctors.
WA Clinical Trial Coverage Mandate
Washington law requires insurers to cover routine patient costs when participating in approved clinical trials for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Research costs are covered by the trial sponsor.
WA Oral Chemotherapy Parity Law
Washington requires insurance plans to cover oral anti-cancer drugs on the same terms as IV chemotherapy — same copays and coverage levels, so patients don't pay more for oral treatment.
How to Appeal an Insurance Denial
If your insurer denies a cancer treatment claim, you have the right to appeal. WA provides a free independent external review process — impartial doctors review your case.
Programs (10)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Monthly income for cancer patients too sick to work. Many cancers qualify for Compassionate Allowances for faster processing. Average monthly benefit is ~$1,500.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for cancer patients with limited income and resources, even without work history. 2026 maximum federal benefit is $967/month for individuals.
Medicare for Cancer Patients
Federal health insurance covering chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and prescription drugs. Part A covers inpatient treatment; Part B covers outpatient chemo and radiation (20% coinsurance after deductible).
WA Apple Health (Medicaid)
Washington's Medicaid program providing comprehensive cancer coverage — screening, treatment, prescriptions, and mental health — for low-income residents. Enrollment open year-round.
WA Breast, Cervical & Colon Health Program (BCCHP)
Free cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured Washington residents ages 40-64, including mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies. Follow-up care for abnormal results included.
SNAP / Food Assistance
Monthly food benefits for low-income households. Cancer patients unable to work may qualify under disability rules. Benefits loaded onto an EBT card for groceries.
LIHEAP — Utility Assistance
Grants up to $1,000 to help low-income households pay heating and utility bills. Essential for cancer patients who need to maintain home temperature during recovery.
WA Prescription Drug Assistance (PDAF)
Helps Washington residents access cancer medications at reduced or no cost, regardless of insurance status. Assists with navigating patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies.
Hill-Burton Free/Reduced Care
Certain hospitals and health facilities must provide free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot pay. Income eligibility varies by facility. Covers cancer treatment services.
WA Property Tax Exemption for Disabled
Partial or full property tax exemption for homeowners who are disabled due to cancer and meet income requirements. Can save thousands per year on property taxes.
Education (10)
Getting a Second Opinion
A second opinion confirms your diagnosis and treatment plan. You have the right to seek one, and it should not delay treatment. Ask your doctor to send medical records to another oncologist.
Understanding Cancer Staging
Cancer stages (I-IV) indicate how far cancer has spread. The TNM system measures Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis. Understanding your stage helps guide treatment decisions.
Questions to Ask Your Oncologist
Essential questions: What are my treatment options? What is the goal — cure, control, or comfort? What are the side effects? Should I consider a clinical trial? Bring a support person to take notes.
Finding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials test new treatments and may offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Search by cancer type, location, and trial phase at cancer.gov. Ask your oncologist if a trial is right for you.
Understanding Your Medical Bills (EOB)
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is not a bill — it shows what your insurer paid and what you owe. Review EOBs for errors, which are common in cancer treatment billing. Request itemized bills from providers.
Hospital Financial Assistance (Charity Care)
Under the ACA, nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance programs. You can apply for reduced or free care even after receiving bills. Always ask the billing department about assistance before paying.
Caregiver Burnout: Signs and Prevention
Caregiver burnout is real — watch for exhaustion, withdrawal, irritability, and neglecting your own health. Take breaks, accept help, join a support group, and remember: you can't pour from an empty cup.
Survivorship Care Plans
After treatment ends, a survivorship care plan outlines your follow-up schedule, potential late effects to watch for, and health recommendations. Ask your oncologist for a written plan before transitioning to primary care.
Advance Directives & Healthcare Power of Attorney
Advance directives let you document your healthcare wishes in case you can't communicate them later. A healthcare power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Returning to Work After Cancer
You have legal rights when returning to work after cancer treatment. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, and you don't have to disclose your diagnosis to coworkers. Start with reduced hours if needed.