Cancer can affect your financial well-being. There are programs that may be able to help you if you are experiencing difficulties. The NSH Cancer Care Program has a series of helpful patient information sheets that cover a wide range of practical and financial concerns cancer patients may experience. Topics include financial concerns and resources; medication coverage and frequently asked questions; getting to treatment and where to stay. The links to these pamphlets are below. As well, we have listed a number of links to commonly accessed websites which you may find useful.
- Financial Matters
- Accommodations
- Getting to treatment
- Parking for Patients - QEII Cancer Care Program (Halifax)
Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy (BTO) Program
If you require assistance with transportation costs or accommodations while travelling to appointments and/or treatment related to your cancer, you may be eligible for support through various programs including the NS Government BTO Program. The BTO Frequently Asked Questions document will provide you with more information and you can also contact the social worker or cancer patient navigator in your area for help. The number to call the BTO program directly is 1-800-563-8880.
Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund
The Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund offers short-term financial assistance to cover some costs of travelling to cancer treatments. This includes expenses like fuel and taxi or public transit fares. It is available to people with a low income who are currently receiving cancer treatment. To learn more please link to Transportation | Canadian Cancer Society.
Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients
Drug Access Navigators (DAN) are members of the cancer care team who specialize in drug coverage and drug access. They can help ensure patients get the best coverage possible. They are available in all parts of the province. Any member of the health care team can refer a patient to a DAN. We have listed below pamphlets which you might find helpful:
- Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients (Scroll down the page to the "Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients" heading.)
- Medication Coverage - Your Insurance Plan
- Medicine Coverage
- The Take-Home Cancer Drug Fund
- Seniors’ Pharmacare (external site)
- Family Pharmacare (external site)
- Canada Benefit Finder
News and Stories
Patient Education Resources
Financial Matters
For some people, being sick has a big impact on their finances. Knowing your options and understanding how they work can help. This pamphlet explains what Short Term Illness (STI) and Long Term Disability (LTD) are, whether you can get help from Employment Insurance (EI), and more.
Medicine Coverage
Many people worry about how much they will have to pay for their cancer medications. This pamphlet explains what support is available if you do not have an insurance plan. It explains how to find out if your insurance plan or the Nova Scotia Pharmacare plan will cover your medications. Other topics include what you can do if your medications are not covered, and what to do if you are still having trouble getting your medications.
Medication Coverage - Your Insurance Plan
This pamphlet gives information about medication coverage.
The Take-Home Cancer Drug Fund
The Take Home Cancer Drug Fund is a fund available through the Nova Scotia Health Authority Cancer Care Program. The fund helps patients who are faced with very high costs for their take home cancer drugs. This pamphlet explains how the fund works, what drugs are covered, and how patients can access the fund.
Accommodations near QEII and Cape Breton Cancer Centres
If you are a resident of Nova Scotia, are receiving outpatient treatment at the QEII Cancer Care Program and live more than 50 kms one way from the hospital, accommodations will be provided for you and a support person. This pamphlet lists locations that are part of the Accommodations Program.
Getting to Treatment
Getting between home and cancer treatment can be hard. This pamphlet explains where you can get help if you need help getting to cancer treatment, what to do if you need accessible transportation, and other resources.
Parking for Patients - QEII Cancer Care Program (Halifax)
This pamphlet gives information about parking for patients of the Cancer Care Program at the Victoria General (VG) site of the QEII in Halifax.
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YourHealthNS App
Much of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.
