Housing (6)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
Society of St Vincent De Paul - Vancouver
Society of St Vincent De Paul offers assistance to families with electricity, gas, and water payments. This program providers:- Financial assistanceUtility and rental assistance requests are taken...
Vancouver Department of Public Works — Help to Others H2O Program
Help to Others, or H2O, is a City of Vancouver Utility program designed to help qualifying low-income residents in crisis situations pay for water and/or sewer.Services include:- Financial...
Vital Options International (VOI) — Selma Schimmel Vital Grant
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Operation Homefront — Critical Financial Assistance
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
American Kidney Fund (AKF) — Safety Net Grant Program
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Food (20)
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.
Food Lifeline — Western WA
Supplies food to 350+ food banks across Western Washington helping families facing hunger.
F.I.S.H. of Orchards, Inc. — Food Pantry
Food is made available at no charge by our volunteer teams for all families and individuals declaring need. Feel free to visit during our available hours, but please keep in mind we are closed on...
Union Gospel Mission — Food Pantry
Union Gospel Mission food pantry serves children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and need assistance to make ends...
Society of St Vincent De Paul - Vancouver — Food Pantry
The Vancouver St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference provides food assistance to those faced with unexpected temporary needs. Assistance is provided regardless of religion, nationality, race,...
Clark County Adventist Community Services — Food Pantry
CCACS is set up like a small self-serve grocery store. When families check in, they are given a shopping list that provides food for a minimum of three days for the number of members in their...
Salvation Army Vancouver Corps — Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Vancouver Corps' food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families....
Martha's Pantry — Food and Supplies
Martha's Pantry exists to support the needs and dignity of people impacted by HIV/AIDS and the overall community in need of assistance.This program provides:- Food to meet nutritional needs-...
One Life Food Pantry — Food Pantry
The food pantry serves everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry.
FISH Of Vancouver — Food Pantry
FISH of Vancouver addresses the needs of low-income individuals and households that lack a reliable access to affordable, nutritious food and may experience hunger on a regular basis.This program...
Sandy Community Action Center — Food Pantry
Sandy Community Action Center food pantry serves children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, or are currently participating in SNAP, TANF, SSI, or LIHEAP, who simply have fallen...
The Pacific Islander Community Association of WA (PICA-WA) — Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry offers food in a market style set-up at our office space for community members to drop in and shop at no-cost, ensuring our communities have direct access to various food...
Battle Ground Adventist Community Services (BG ACS) — Food Pantry
The Battle Ground Adventist Community Services Food Pantry welcomes families living in Clark county to self-select a three-to-five day supply of food once a month.Our services include:- Food
North County Community Food Bank — Emergency Food Assistance
North County Community Food Bank provides an emergency safety net to North Clark County residents in crisis and distress, with the goal of helping individuals and families build more stable,...
Camas Friends Church — Food Pantry
The Camas Friends Food Pantry allows us to give assistance to the people of our congregation and to support the Camas and Washougal community in times of need. We do our best to keep our pantry...
Inter-Faith Treasure House — Food Pantry
Inter-Faith Treasure House addresses the needs of low-income individuals and households that lack a reliable access to affordable, nutritious food and may experience hunger on a regular basis. All...
Neighbors Helping Neighbors — Food Pantry and Clothing Closet
Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides food, clothing and small household items to people in our service areas who are in need. Food, especially perishable foods, help those less fortunate to eat...
Lewis River Mobile Food Bank — Mobile Food Pantry
The Lewis River Mobile Food Bank provides people with emergency and supplemental food in under-served areas in north Clark County. Food will be distributed without regard to race, sexual...
Woodland Action
Woodland Action’s core program is distribution of healthy food, personal hygiene, and household items to low-income individuals and families in need.This program provides:- Food to meet basic...
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 (13)
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.
Northwest Hope & Healing
Immediate financial grants for breast and gynecologic cancer patients in the Puget Sound region.
HealthWell Foundation
Manages 40+ cancer assistance funds covering copays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Cancer Lifeline — Financial Aid
One-time grants up to $450 for rent, utilities, food, and copays for low-income cancer patients.
Washington State Health Care Authority — Apple Health (Medicaid) for Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) and Hospice
Apple Health pays for services in your home, a community residential care facility, assisted living facility, adult family home, or nursing facility if you meet certain criteria based on an...
Washington State Health Care Authority — Apple Health (Medicaid) for Workers with Disabilities (HWD)
Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) allows people with disabilities who are working to purchase medical coverage by paying a monthly premium that is based on their income.This program...
Clark Public Utilities — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to help eligible residents pay for a range of home heating fuels: electricity, natural gas, oil, wood and...
Angel Flight West — Free Non-Emergency Air Transportation
Angel Flight West provides free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. This is to help families in need, enabling them to...
RxLess — Prescription Savings Program
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Woodland Action — Thrift Store
The Woodland Action Thrift Store is a nonprofit thrift store supporting the operational costs of Woodland Action Food Bank & Community Service programming. The store offers a low-cost shopping...
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 (5)
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.
Full Life Care
Home care, adult day health, and caregiver respite for patients with chronic illness in Puget Sound.
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 (5)
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.
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital — Tacoma
Pediatric cancer center in Tacoma offering treatment, clinical trials, and family support services.
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.