Housing (7)
WA State Housing Finance Commission
Programs to help with rent and mortgage payments during medical hardship.
Opportunity Council — Supportive Services for Veteran Familes (SSVF)
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides housing and support services to those who have served in active military, naval or air service and their families. The program...
Opportunity Council — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded heating assistance program that assists low-income individuals and families with bill assistance through a one-time grant payment on their electric, natural gas,...
Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center (LWC) — Independent Living
Independent Living program provides safe and affordable housing for adult with mental illness in the community.
Northwest Youth Services — Transitional Living Program
Our transitional housing program provides housing for up to 18 months. During this time, youth work with an appointed case manager to identify and achieve a more permanent housing option. Youth...
City of Bellingham Public Works Department — Utility Bill Reduced Rates
The City of Bellingham offers reduced rates for water, sewer and storm water utilities. Customers are eligible for a discount on their bill if they are a low income, senior, or disabled adult...
Bellingham Housing Authority — HUD Public Housing Program
Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. A Housing Authority determines your...
Food (11)
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.
Bellingham Food Bank — Food Pantry
Bellingham Food Bank provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity. This program supplies critical nutrition to hungry individuals and families. This program provides:- Food pantry
Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) — Shelter and Homeless Services - Hope House Street Outreach
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) is the largest local private provider of assistance to poor and vulnerable people in the state of Washington. Our focus is on those...
New Way Ministries — Project Hope Food Pantry
The Project Hope Food Bank helps provide food for people at their immediate point of need. It exists to help foster a strong community held together by relational ties as people live out a common...
Lummi Nation - Family Services — Community Services
Lummi Community Services provides Federal food programs for the Lummi Nation to income eligible household on or near Lummi Reservation. We provide:- Weekly distribution of nutritional food -...
Foothills Food Bank — Food Pantry
Foothills Food Bank provides food to anyone in need living in East Whatcom County. Individuals and families are welcome to visit the bank and shop for whatever groceries they may need, according...
St. Joseph Catholic Church — Food Pantry
Our food pantry provides supplemental groceries to individuals and families in need of assistance in the community. We provide:- Food to meet basic nutritional needs Please call us to schedule a...
Ferndale Food Bank — Food Pantry
The Ferndale Food Bank provides food to our low income seniors, neighbors, and those in crisis.Services provided: -Food to meet basic nutritional needs Single individuals and families can visit...
Blaine Food Bank — Food Pantry
The Blaine Food Bank's food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no...
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 (11)
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.
United Way- Whatcom County — FamilyWize Program
As a Whatcom County resident, we don’t just want you to survive. We want you to thrive. Decreasing your prescription drug payments can help with that. We’ve teamed up with the FamilyWize®...
Spokane County Veteran's Services — Whatcom County Veterans Program
Whatcom County Veterans Program provides:-Temporary financial assistance -Housing assistance -Burial assistance -Health services -Compensation & pension -Social service programs -Legal assistance...
Bellevue Healthcare — Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Bellevue Healthcare provides a wide range of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to meet a variety of complex health needs. From rehab and mobility to respiratory or pulmonary needs, Bellevue...
Bellingham Farmers Market — Local Food and Products
Bellingham Farmers Market is a vibrant gathering place for the community that creates a culture of outdoor shopping. The market provides the best of fresh produce and hand crafted products for...
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.