Resources for More Information: Health Insurance
The internet can be a valuable resource for a patient who wants to find out more information about their health insurance. However, remember that not every website contains accurate and reliable information. The websites listed below offer information and resources.
General Resources
OncoLink
Health Insurance Webinar Series
Offers free, short modules on a variety of health insurance topics.
Triage Cancer Resources on Health Insurance
Triage Cancer works to address cancer-related health disparities through the delivery of cancer survivorship education, particularly information related to accessing care.
http://triagecancer.org/healthinsurance
The Kaiser Family Foundation
A leader in health policy analysis and health journalism, the Kaiser Family Foundation is dedicated to filling the need for trusted information on national health issues.
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)
The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, in-depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers.
https://www.shiptacenter.org/about-us/about-ships/
Cancer Legal Resource Center
Provides cancer-related legal information and resources nationwide.
http://cancerlegalresources.org
American Cancer Society
Managing Your Health Insurance
The American Cancer Society is one of the oldest cancer service and support organizations in the country. They provide a wide variety of cancer education materials free of charge.
Cancer Support Community
Health Insurance for Cancer Patients
The Cancer Support Community is a global network offering quality cancer support to millions of people touched by cancer, available online and at community-based centers and hospitals.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).
General Medicare Information
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf
Medicare and You (updated annually; available as a free download)
https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/what-is-medicare-part-c/index.html
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-drug-coverage/get-drug-coverage.html
Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap)
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap
Affordable Care Act/Healthcare Marketplace
The Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”)/Healthcare Marketplace offers health insurance options for those who do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans benefits, or employer-affiliated health insurance plans.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by the state and the federal government.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html
COBRA
COBRA contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events; overseen by the Department of Labor.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/cobra
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to eligible children, through both Medicaid and separate CHIP programs. CHIP is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.
https://www.medicaid.gov/chip/index.html
Veterans
Eligible veterans may be able to receive health care through the Veterans Administration.