Housing (6)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
City of Walla Walla - Finance — Utility Bill Discount Program
The City offers a discount of 20% on monthly utility bills for low-income residents to offer opportunities for individuals and families to achieve greater levels of strength, independence, and...
Walla Walla Housing Authority — Public Housing (PH)
The Walla Walla Housing Authority offers a variety of affordable housing options for families, disabled, and elderly. With a professional, responsive management staff serving over 450...
Walla Walla Housing Authority — Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Walla Walla Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) program. The HCVP program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income...
Walla Walla County - Department of Community Health (DCH) — Veterans' Services
Our Veterans' Services provide a wide array of supports to veterans in our community experiencing hardship. These comprehensive services are designed to honor and assist those that have put...
Catholic Charities of Walla Walla — Senior Housing - Mike Foye and Garden Court Apartments
The Mike Foye and Garden Court Apartments offers 47 air-conditioned units, some of which are accessible, to seniors age 62 and up and disabled individuals. Services include:- Affordable housingA...
Food (9)
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.
Saint Frances Cabrini Charitable Services — Food Boxes
Saint Frances Cabrini Charitable Services provides food boxes with supplemental groceries to individuals and families in need of assistance. This program provides:- Food to meet basic nutritional...
Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) — Mobile Food Distribution
The Mobile Food Distribution program provides produce and perishables to households experiencing food insecurity.This program provides:- Food to meet basic nutritional needsCheck their website for...
Christian Aid Center of Walla Walla — Meal Program
Christian Aid Center provides breakfast and dinner daily to anyone in our community who is hungry. Outside of our meal times, we give away donated food at our dining hall.Services offered:- Meals-...
Salvation Army - Walla Walla — Food Pantry
The Salvation Army's Walla Walla Food Pantry provides vital food goods to our community members in need of assistance. This service fills critical gaps in the social safety net and promotes...
Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) — Senior Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) food distribution is held monthly at the BMAC Food Bank. This promotes the senior population's health and wellbeing. We provide: - A food box to meet...
Waitsburg First Christian Church — Waitsburg Resource Center
The Waitsburg Resource Center exists to serve persons and families in the local community by responding to physical, relational and spiritual needs as an expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ;...
Helpline Walla Walla — Direct Assistance
Helpline Walla Walla provides Direct Assistance services individuals and families who are low income or experiencing homelessness in Walla Walla County. We may be able to provide:- Utility...
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 (9)
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.
Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) — Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program is a homeless prevention program designed to assist veteran families at risk of homelessness to maintain their housing and to rapidly...
Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC)'s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides money to help low income household make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility...
Walla Walla Public Library — Library Services
Walla Walla Public Library provides free and open access to a broad range of materials and services to people of all ages and backgrounds.We provide:- Books, DVDs, CDs and more media formats-...
Saint Frances Cabrini Charitable Services — Thrift Store
Saint Frances Cabrini Charitable Services thrift store provides new and like new items for everyone looking to save money.This program provides:- Clothing- Furniture- Books- Bedding - Shoes
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.