If you live in New York State, are uninsured, and you have been
diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to apply for the Medicaid
Cancer Treatment Program. This program covers treatment for breast,
cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer. It may also cover some
pre-cancerous medical conditions that are associated with these types of
cancers. The program only covers the patient undergoing treatment for
cancer. If you qualify for the program, you will be given full Medicaid
coverage during the course of your treatment. More importantly, you can
focus on regaining your health without worrying about the costs of
cancer treatments. If you qualify for it, this program will provide you
and your loved ones with the support you need during an otherwise
difficult time.
How Do You Apply?
While regular
low-income medical services can be accessed through the Social Services
department in your county, enrollment in the MCTP takes place with
various partnership groups. If you have been screened and diagnosed for
cancer, you will need to make an application through one of these
program services. Your application will be processed at the state level.
There, your case will be assessed, and subsequently approved or denied.
There are various state centers in each county in the state, and they
will be able to give you advice on completing and submitting paperwork
and applications, as well as any other assistance you might need. In
addition, these programs can direct you to any additional outside help,
including legal services if you need or want them. The program center
may also be able to help you find sources of low-cost emotional support
for you and your family during the course of your treatment.
Who is Eligible?
There
are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to enroll
in the program. Usually, you must first be screened for cancer by a
program provider who will provide you with the diagnosis. In all
instances, you must be a resident of New York State, a US citizen or a
resident non-citizen, and you must not have insurance coverage at the
time of your application. Different forms of cancer have different
requirements for treatment under the terms and conditions of the
program. For example, while patients with prostate or colorectal cancer
must be under sixty-five years old to qualify for treatment, patients
with breast or cervical cancer do not have any age restrictions for
their cancer treatment.
Screening and Prevention
The
program also offers screening for pre-cancerous conditions in certain
cases. If you qualify for these screenings because you are uninsured and
have a low income, they can be an actual lifesaver. Early detection of
cancer not only extends and saves lives, it saves time, money, and
resources as well. Usually, these screenings include mammograms or pap
smears for low-income women, since these cancers are more easily treated
when they are detected earlier, and become much harder to treat in
their advanced stages. Women over forty, and high-risk women under forty
should schedule a mammogram and breast examination, while women over
forty should schedule annual pelvic exams. In addition, men and women
over the age of fifty should be screened for colorectal cancer. However,
if you notice abnormal symptoms that may be linked to any of these
types of cancer and you are not of the appropriate age for CSP screening
services, they may be able to direct you to other low-income screening
programs.
These screenings and diagnostic tests are provided
through the provider at no charge to you if you qualify as having too
low of an income to pay for them. They are typically offered at clinics,
doctor's offices, and health centers which participate in the state
approved program. However, men who are screened and diagnosed with
prostate cancer are usually not covered by the program and should enroll
separately in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program.
Re-Enrollment and Eligibility
Once
you are approved for the MCTP, you will receive the benefits and
treatment that you need for a pre-determined amount of time, depending
on the type of cancer you have. Ultimately, your doctor will have to
re-certify you on an annual basis if they believe that you will continue
to need treatment. Your eligibility to continue using the services of
the program will be assessed. During the course of your treatment, you
will have full Medicaid coverage, meaning that your co-pays on medical
procedures, medicines, and various services will be covered for you as
long as you remain eligible for the program. Your treatment must be
received from a Medicaid-enrolled provider in order to qualify for free
services. This may limit you to a certain number of doctors or hospitals
in the area, but the quality of your treatment will not be reduced. The
program will continue to provide support to you until you are recovered
or you are otherwise deemed ineligible for continued treatment.
Getting in Touch
It
is necessary to recognize that appropriate and timely treatment can
save lives in the fight against cancer. If you or a member of your
family are at risk for developing breast, cervical, colorectal, or
prostate cancer, then you should not wait until it is too late because
you are worried about the cost of cancer treatment. This is why this
cancer treatment program is a valuable resource for patients who are
uninsured and have low incomes. You will receive treatment for as long
as you need it, and you will have no worries about having to cover your
medical expenses as well as your day-to-day living costs. In turn, this
will allow you to fight cancer without the fear of massive medical
bills, as well as the potential loss of income or work. Do not wait if
you have no insurance, but you think that your health is at risk.
Prevention and early detection can save your life.
The content of
this article is provided for general informational purposes only and is
not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for,
professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this article
for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have
or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your
professional healthcare provider.