Each year, 60,000 people in Michigan are diagnosed with cancer, and about half of those diagnosed will experience significant financial distress due to the high cost of treatment and recovery. Financial toxicity not only complicates treatment decisions, it can also lead to negative health outcomes. Meagan’s Way Foundation provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who are experiencing financial distress due to cancer.
Financial assistance typically covers household expenses such as but not limited to mortgage/rent, utilities, transportation costs including car insurance, and COBRA or health insurance premiums.
Funding is limited and is based on availability and eligibility.
Financial assistance typically covers household expenses such as but not limited to mortgage/rent, utilities, transportation costs including car insurance, and COBRA or health insurance premiums.
Funding is limited and is based on availability and eligibility.
How to apply for financial assistance
- Review eligibility requirements and FAQ
- If you meet eligibility requirements, complete Financial Assistance Inquiry Form below and submit
- Your inquiry will be reviewed, and you will be contacted for additional information
- If you are eligible, a formal application will be emailed to you. There are multiple parts to the application, and Parts II and III must be completed by a medical professional
- Email or mail the completed application in its entirety, along with supporting documentation, to the address listed on the application
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must reside in Michigan
- Applicant (or their minor child) has been diagnosed with cancer or completed treatment in the last 12 months
- Applicant can provide verification of the expense(s) they need assistance with (copies of bills, invoices, rental or service agreements in the applicant's name)
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are eligible for assistance?
Financial assistance typically covers household expenses such as but not limited to mortgage/rent, utilities, transportation costs including car insurance, and COBRA or health insurance premiums. Medically necessary durable medical equipment, home repair or modifications to provide prescribed adaptive tools such as bathroom grab bars, may be considered based on available funding. Food assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Financial assistance typically covers household expenses such as but not limited to mortgage/rent, utilities, transportation costs including car insurance, and COBRA or health insurance premiums. Medically necessary durable medical equipment, home repair or modifications to provide prescribed adaptive tools such as bathroom grab bars, may be considered based on available funding. Food assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis.
How long does it take to receive assistance?
From the time your official application is received and accepted, approval takes an additional 5 business days. You will be notified directly of approval. It can take 10-14 business days from approval for your creditors to receive payment, so the entire process can take up to three weeks.
From the time your official application is received and accepted, approval takes an additional 5 business days. You will be notified directly of approval. It can take 10-14 business days from approval for your creditors to receive payment, so the entire process can take up to three weeks.
I am covered by medical insurance. Am I still eligible?
Yes, need is relative to the applicant. Meagan’s Way Foundation does not determine eligibility based on insurance coverage.
Yes, need is relative to the applicant. Meagan’s Way Foundation does not determine eligibility based on insurance coverage.
I was denied by other assistance programs because my income is too high. Am I still eligible?
Although we ask for income information for demographic purposes, Meagan’s Way Foundation does not consider household income when determining eligibility. Because need is relative to the applicant, we are proud to provide assistance to all individuals and families in need, regardless of income level.
Although we ask for income information for demographic purposes, Meagan’s Way Foundation does not consider household income when determining eligibility. Because need is relative to the applicant, we are proud to provide assistance to all individuals and families in need, regardless of income level.
How does Meagan's Way Foundation help children diagnosed with cancer?
Meagan’s Way Foundation prioritizes financial assistance for minors receiving cancer treatment and families with minor children. If financial assistance is not needed to help pay for listed eligible expenses, Meagan’s Way Foundation may consider other types of assistance such as medically necessary travel/lodging, educational programs and tutoring, school supplies or pay-to-play fees, clothing, or special experiences.
Meagan’s Way Foundation prioritizes financial assistance for minors receiving cancer treatment and families with minor children. If financial assistance is not needed to help pay for listed eligible expenses, Meagan’s Way Foundation may consider other types of assistance such as medically necessary travel/lodging, educational programs and tutoring, school supplies or pay-to-play fees, clothing, or special experiences.
What expenses are not eligible for assistance?
Medical expenses such as co-pays, prescription costs, deductibles, and medical bills including bills for doctor visits, diagnostic testing, treatment, recovery or reconstruction are not eligible. Expenses incurred prior to a cancer diagnosis are not eligible for assistance. All expenses submitted must be in the Applicant's name (or their parent or spouse) to be considered.
Medical expenses such as co-pays, prescription costs, deductibles, and medical bills including bills for doctor visits, diagnostic testing, treatment, recovery or reconstruction are not eligible. Expenses incurred prior to a cancer diagnosis are not eligible for assistance. All expenses submitted must be in the Applicant's name (or their parent or spouse) to be considered.