Housing (13)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
Salute, Inc — Veteran Financial Assistance Program
Salute offers Financial Assistance to veterans who are in active duty, injured and/or the transitioning back to civilian life. Salute provides these individuals and their families financial...
Our Place Community Outreach — Utilities Assistance
Our Place Community Outreach offers utility assistance for Avista of up to $300, once per year, to residents of the West Central neighborhood who are at risk of having their electricity turned...
Spokane Housing Authority — Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Spokane Housing Authority provides affordable housing through tenant based housing choice vouchers (Section 8) for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford...
The Carl Maxey Center — Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance
The Carl Maxey Center provides rent and utility assistance services and support to help those in financial crisis. This program is designed to assist families and individuals experiencing...
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) - Spokane — Refugee Services
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. IRC's regional offices across the country help refugees rebuild their lives.This program...
Washington Department of Social and Health Services — Core Waiver
Core Waivers provide residential options to individuals with intellectual disabilities at immediate risk of institutional placement or have an identified health and welfare need for services that...
Blood Cancer United — Patient Aid Program
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Operation First Response — The Last Mission Project
This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Spokane County Veteran's Services
Our emergency assistance program is geared towards sustainable positive outcomes for eligible veterans. The financial assistance is provided in the form of a voucher to a specific vendor (ex:...
World Relief Spokane — Housing Stabilization Services
World Relief Spokane's Housing Stabilization Services is a short-term housing assistance program that can help eligible clients who meet the immigration and financial requirements with housing or...
Partners INW — Emergency Utility Assistance
Partners INW provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. This service works to help households remain up to date on their utilities. This program provides:-...
St. John Vianney Catholic Church — SJV Poverty Program
The SJV Poverty Program provides basic needs assistance to the individuals and families in need that are living in emergency situations within the church's surrounding community.This program...
Food (21)
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.
Cancer Care Northwest — Nutrition (Spokane)
Virtual and in-person nutrition services with licensed dietitians for cancer patients in Eastern WA.
Second Harvest — Inland Northwest
Largest food bank in the Inland Northwest distributing food through 250+ partner agencies.
Serve Spokane — Food Pantry
The food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program provides:- Food to...
Mead Community Services — Mead Food Bank
The Mead Food Bank exists to serve food to the community members in need.This program provides: - Food to meet nutritional needs
Westside Church Of The Nazarene — Food Pantry
Our 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...
Our Place Community Outreach — Food Distribution
The food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program provides:- Food to...
Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center's food bank serves children, adults or senior citizens of Spokane County, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and need...
Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS) — Family Services
Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS) provides support services to senior citizens, adults, and families in the community. They provide programs and support services to help strengthen...
Family of Faith Community Church — Breaking Bread Rescue Market Food Bank
Family of Faith Community Church's Breaking Bread Rescue Market Food Bank provides food to individuals and families in need. Services Include:- Food to meet the basic nutritional needs
Better Living Center — Food Pantry
The Better Living Center provides monthly emergency food assistance to individuals and families in need within the area. This service works to meet the nutritional needs of the community.
American Indian Community Center — Full Food Bank For Full Tummies
The American Indian Community Center’s food bank is stocked with food. Come visit us Tuesday through Friday to fill up on all the food necessities you need. This program provides:- Food to meet...
Salvation Army - Spokane Citadel Corps
The Salvation Army Spokane Citadel Corps operates a food bank to help meet the nutritional needs of families in Spokane County.This program provides:- Food to meet basic nutritional needsClothing...
Cheney Cupboard
Through the strength of community and compassion, we rewrite the story of hunger, creating a world where everyone can know security and abundance. Together we can make a difference. We are a...
Medical Lake Food Bank
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.
Filipino American Northwest Association (FANA) — Nourish Spokane - Meals and Groceries
The FANA Nourish Spokane program offers community hot meals and groceries to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families....
Partners INW
Partners INW's food pantry provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program...
Spokane District Council of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul — Saint Mary Conference Center
Through meaningful partnerships and the dedication of their volunteers, they respond with compassion and practical support to those facing hardship, isolation, or crisis.This program provides:-...
Greenhouse Food Bank and Resource Center — Food Pantry
The Greenhouse Food Bank and Resource Center addresses the needs of low-income individuals and households that lack a reliable access to affordable, nutritious food and may experience hunger on a...
Volunteer Food & Resource Center
Volunteer Food & Resource Center provides supplemental food boxes to families and individuals.This program provides:- Food box Other services include:- Referrals for household emergencies -...
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 (18)
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.
Union Gospel Mission (UGM) — Thrift Stores
At UGM Thrift Stores there are new treasures to find everyday from antiques, brand-new items, one-of-a-kind finds to out-of-print gems. They offer weekly savings days and specials are available on...
Serve Spokane — Clothing Ministry
The Clothing Ministry provides clean, comfortable, useful clothing and household goods to those who need a supporting hand, where you can shop in an atmosphere of love and friendship. Services...
US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) — VA Health Care
The Veterans Health Administration provides a broad range of world-class health care services to eligible Veterans. The healthcare services and programs are tailored to specifically help Veterans...
Fairwood Farmers Market — Farmers Market
Fairwood Farmers Market provides a market full of organic produce and meat farmers and processors.This program provides:- Produce- Beer, cider, and wine- Meat
Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (PDAF) — Prescription Drug Assistance
PDAF provides assistance to any Washington State resident whose prescription drug coverage is inadequate, even if you have private insurance, Medicaid, or a plan on the healthcare exchange.
Greenhouse Food Bank and Resource Center — Emergency Services
The GreenHouse provides year-round assistance to individuals with emergency needs. Our work addresses the various material needs of people in our community.Services provided:- Utility assistance-...
Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) — Energy Assistance Program
SNAP's Energy Assistance program provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need. This program provides:- Energy financial assistanceSNAP's 2025 Energy Assistance program will...
Angel Senior Care — Home Care Services
Angel Senior Care's home care services make a difference in a person's quality of life by providing the independence they hope for by providing personal care, companion care, and homemaker...
Rx Outreach — Mail Order Medication - Pharmacy Services
Mail Order Medication - Pharmacy Services makes it easy for patients by offering free home delivery, transparent pricing, a comprehensive formulary, and easy access by phone, mail, or online....
Cheney Cupboard — Direct Emergency Assistance
The Cheney Outreach Center offers limited emergency assistance to low-income people and families. This program provides: - Energy assistance - Rent assistance - Utilities assistance - Medical...
Partners INW — Clothing Bank
The Partners INW Clothing Bank provides clothing, shoes, small kitchen appliances, household items, diapers, personal care items and newborn layettes to those in need. The Partners INW Career...
Spokane Regional Health District — Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federal program which is designed to improve the life long health and nutrition status of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Services Provided:- Personalized...
Rotech Healthcare Inc. - Spokane Valley — Medical Equipment
Rotech Healthcare provides a full line of home medical equipment nationwide with the goal of helping enhance your treatment beyond the medical office or hospital and into your home. We offer a...
Legal (7)
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.
Inland Empire Legal Aid (Spokane)
Free civil legal aid for low-income residents in Spokane and surrounding Eastern Washington areas.
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 (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.
Childhood Cancer Coalition — Spokane
Support groups for families, caregivers, siblings, and teens affected by childhood cancer in Eastern WA.
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.