Monday, September 5, 2011

Financial Assistance Options




Unfortunately this information is a little to late for Brutus but hopefully this will help others who will go through this heart breaking ordeal. 
http://www.fightcaninecancer.com/    Georgia's Legacy - Canine Cancer Resource
Treating cancer can be very expensive depending on the course of treatment recommended by your veterinarian, often costing several thousand dollars, which many families may not be able to afford. Unfortunately, financial considerations are a very real part of deciding how aggressively to treat your dog’s cancer and sometimes we have to make a choice between attempting cure and palliative care to maintain quality of life. We all have limits to what we can do and it’s important to weigh the needs of your whole family when deciding how much of a financial burden your family can bear.
Below are some financial assistance resources that may be available to help. Keep in mind that each program has its own criteria for eligibility and most have very limited funding available compared with the number of dogs in need of cancer treatments. Review the guidelines carefully before deciding to submit an application

Don't Lose HopeIf you find that you do not qualify for any of these programs. Don’t lose hope. Here are some additional
ideas for those facing financial hardship



  • Talk with your veterinarian about alternate treatment options or ways that you can still assist your dog in their battle against cancer that are within your financial means.
  • Research online or ask your vet about clinical trials currently taking place for which your dog may qualify. In many cases, the costs of treatment are significantly reduced or included for participating in these studies.
  • Consider reaching out to your community to share your story and ask for the support of friends, family or neighbors. You may be surprised at how many people are willing to help.
  • Many people have successfully launched their own private fundraising campaigns in order to help their pets. This includes email campaigns, setting up your own website to share your story, or selling items online to raise funds through sites like eBay, Etsy, CafePress and others
  • Remember, nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it

  • FIRST OPTIONS FOR FUNDING

    CareCredit
    CareCredit is a credit card program that may be offered at your veterinary clinic or hospital. CareCredit can offer special financing, low monthly payment options, no up-front costs, and has no pre-payment penalties, so you can afford the care your pet needs.



    Citi Health CardGet flexible financing for health care services at participating dentists, orthodontists, vision care specialists, veterinarians and other providers. Citibank card. ** Similar application process as CareCredit; however, does not seem to have as many participating doctors who accept it.

    Pet Insurance
    If you among the minority of pet owners who has pet insurance, you may be surprised at how much your policy can help pay for your dog’s treatments. Check with your policy to find out what tests and procedures are covered and what portion they will pay to help you make your decisions about treatment. If you do not have pet insurance, PLEASE protect your other pets by enrolling them in a plan. Georgia’s Legacy recommends VPI or Pet’s Best insurance.


    Walgreen's Prescription Savings Club Progam
    If your dog is taking a drug that can also be prescribed for humans, you may be able to save money on their prescriptions by enrolling in the Walgreen's Prescriptions Savings Club


    Please Note: In all cases, funds raised are not distributed directly to the pet owner. Funds are distributed to your dog’s treating veterinarian on behalf of your pet. Be prepared to submit your dog’s medical records, including diagnosis and prognosis, and estimate of expenses. Ask your vet in advance for his/her cooperation in completing forms or any requested information.
    The Magic Bullet FundMagic Bullet Fund (MBF) provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment only when the family is financially unable to provide treatment. Most families contribute some portion of the treatment fees and MBF contributes only the amount that the family cannot pay. MBF dogs would not be able to have (or complete) cancer treatment without our assistance. MBF accepts those cases for which we can reasonably hope that treatment will add a year to a dog's life with high quality. Assistance is not provided for palliative care. For dogs with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of the limb, they will help provide funds for amputation only. ** Click on “Ask for Help” on their website and complete online application.


    Brown Dog Foundation
    Offers pet owners in temporary financial crisis an alternative to euthanasia when their pet faces a treatable but life-threatening condition or illness in order to restore quality of life for pet and owner.


    CanineCancerAwareness
    If you are struggling and need assistance to provide your dog with cancer treatment you are encouraged to download an application for financial assistance. ** Application is a downloadable Word document including a page for your dog’s doctor to complete. Application is mailed in.


    Fetch A Cure
    Through the establishment of our Companions in Crisis program, FETCH is working to provide financial aid to families unable to bear the high costs of cancer treatment and rehabilitation. ** Application available online for download.


    Dog and Cat Cancer Fund
    Helping underprivileged owners get treatment for cats and dogs suffering from cancer. ** Click on “Treatment” and then Application Policies. Simple online applications; however, they will follow-up via email for you to fax or email your dog’s records.


    Land of PureGold 'Working Dog' Cancer Treatment Grants
    Grants are $500 per individual working dog, the reimbursements provided directly to respective veterinary personnel for oncology related expenses in the United States and Canada. Applicants MUST BE active working dogs, that is, in the areas of assistance, detection, search & rescue, enforcement, military work, or animal-assisted therapy.


    Pet Fund
    The goal of the Pet Fund is to provide financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care. ** Online application but must make phone contact first for eligibility. Be advised … they have long wait time.

    Angels 4 Animals
    Financial assistance for pet owners to care for seriously ill pets and who are having financial difficulty caring for their pet. ** They do not have an application online. Email them thru the “Contact Us” and ask for an eligibility application. 

    REGIONAL SPECIFIC
    Ashley’s Angel Fund NORTH CAROLINA only. Nonprofit organization providing monetary assistance for veterinary care to dog owners whose pet is facing a life-threatening condition. ** Go to “Contact Us” section of their website for email to qualify.









    FUNDS FOR URGENT CARE SITUATIONS

    IMOM (In Memory of Magic)
    Dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. They work to fund non-routine veterinary care for companion animals. IMOM does NOT fund cancer treatment but may be able to pay for emergency surgery required to remove masses that have not yet been diagnosed as cancerous. ** Applicants must apply for CareCredit and show that they on CareCredit to apply for IMOM. This is also an urgent care program. Vet must confirmed that pet will die or have to be euthanized within 10 days if treatment is not provided.
    United Animal NationsProvides grants for pet care (numerous exclusions). ** Click on “LifeLine Grants” section of website. The animal must have an urgent care need.






    FUNDS THAT YOUR VET CAN APPLY FOR ON YOUR BEHALF
    AAHA Helping PetsAs the benevolent arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the AAHA Foundation seeks to improve the lives of pets. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund works with AAHA-accredited veterinary practices to identify pets in need. Accredited practices may then apply for assistance from the Fund for emergency and non-elective treatment of abandoned pets and pets whose owners are facing financial hardship. There is also a separate fund for rescue angels to assist in care of strays and rescues.

    Frankie’s FriendsPets must be recommended for the Hope Fund support by their attending veterinarian. The Hope Fund is used when a necessary therapy would otherwise be impossible financially. Financial support may be given to families who demonstrate substantial financial need and whose pets would have a good prognosis from a single intervention for long-term recovery to a normal quality of life.

    Pet Cancer FoundationProvides a free oncology consultation for your pet through Oncura Partners. Requests must be made through your primary veterinarian.

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