Does CBCN have a financial aid program?
CBCN does not have any programs that provide financial assistance or support to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We provide support through our FinancialNavigator digital navigation tool. FinancialNavigator is a database of local, provincial, and national financial assistance programs across Canada. These programs provide a variety of financial support, including drug coverage and income supplement. These programs are not managed by CBCN. The contact information and how to apply to get support are listed on each program’s page.
FinancialNavigator also offers information on how to plan and prepare for the impacts of a cancer diagnosis under the Financial Support Resources section. This section covers topics such as health insurance and benefits, income programs, taxes, and more.
I need help paying for all, or part, of the cost of my treatments. What are my options for financial support?
You may be eligible for federal or provincial special access programs. Learn more about the federal program here.
Some treatments might have a patient support program attached to them. A patient support program (PSP) is a program or service that helps patients access, understand, and manage their breast cancer treatment. PSPs vary in the type of support they provide and how long the support is provided. For example, some PSPs provide breast cancer drugs free of charge to those with a prescription. Other PSPs may provide emotional support for patients using the drug. PSPs are usually provided by the drug manufacturer, but they can also be provided by non-profits, healthcare organizations and other similar service providers. PSPs are sometimes called patient assistance programs. Our MedSearch tool provides information about which breast cancer drugs have an associated PSP. Check out the ‘Therapy patient support program’ section of the specific treatment you are trying to access to learn about what is available. You can also reach out to the drug manufacturer to see whether the treatment has a PSP.
If you have private insurance, another option for financial support for a treatment is to check if your private insurance company covers the cost of treatment. Learn more about checking your insurance coverage here. Learn about making an insurance claim here. If your insurance claim is denied, you can appeal the claim. Find more information about the insurance appeal process and OmbudService here.
I was prescribed a treatment that is not funded in Canada. What are my options for financial support?
You might be able to access a treatment that is not available for sale in Canada through the Special Access Program (SAP). Your healthcare provider will need to submit a request if you meet certain criteria.
Learn more about SAP and how to apply here.
I'm worried that the high cost of my treatment will prevent me from taking my medications. What can I do?
A breast cancer diagnosis can make significant impact to your finances. Know that you are not alone if you are facing financial challenges due to your diagnosis. The first step to take is to speak to your healthcare provider about the challenges you are facing. They may be able to prescribe you a treatment that is covered where you live, or point you to appropriate support resources, such as a Drug Access Navigator.
A Drug Access Navigator (DAN) is a healthcare employee who works alongside an oncology team. DANs co-ordinate and investigate potential sources of funding and financial support for prescribed cancer drugs. You can learn more about DANs here.
Some provinces have a dedicated organization of DANs that serve people who live in that province:
- ODANO is the Oncology Drug Access Navigators of Ontario. You can visit ODANO’s website here.
- The Atlantic Canada Oncology Drug Access Navigators Association (ACODANO) serves people living in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. You can visit ACODANO’s website here.
If your province or territory does not have a dedicated organization or association of DANs, you might still be able to use the services of a DAN. Speak to your healthcare team, cancer center, or hospital to see what is available for you.
You can also use FinancialNavigator to find financial support programs to pay in part or whole for your treatment. To find coverage for a breast cancer treatment using FinancialNavigator, select the ‘Drug coverage’ option in the Category section here. Some treatments might have a patient support program attached to them. A patient support program (PSP) is a program or service that helps patients access, understand, and manage their breast cancer treatment. PSPs vary in the type of support they provide and how long the support is provided. For example, some PSPs provide breast cancer drugs free of charge to those with a prescription. Other PSPs may provide emotional support for patients using the drug. PSPs are usually provided by the drug manufacturer, but they can also be provided by non-profits, healthcare organizations and other similar service providers. PSPs are sometimes called patient assistance programs. Our MedSearch tool provides information about which breast cancer drugs have an associated PSP. Check out the ‘Therapy patient support program’ section of the specific treatment you are trying to access to learn about what is available. You can also reach out to the drug manufacturer to see whether the treatment has a PSP.
To speak to someone on how to get involved with advocacy on the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, reach out to the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. You can email us at cbcn@cbcn.ca or call us at 613-230-3044 (toll-free: 1-800-685-8820). You can also consider joining a support group to learn from others who might be facing a similar situation. You can learn more about support groups for early-stage breast cancer here and support groups for metastatic breast cancer here.
I’m new to Canada and I’m not eligible for provincial health insurance. How can I get financial support with my medications?
If you are a temporary resident in Canada, your eligibility for provincial health insurance will depend on the type of permit you have. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for provincial coverage, check with your provincial service office. They can determine your eligibility for provincial health insurance.
If you are not eligible for provincial health insurance, you can use travelers’ insurance, private insurance, school insurance or out of pocket payments to cover the cost of payments.
You may also be eligible for patient support programs. You can learn more about patient support programs here.
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