Practical and Financial Support for Cancer Patients

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