Transportation can be a big issue for patients receiving treatment for multiple myeloma. Sometimes that means jumping in your car and driving yourself, but it can also mean needing a ride because you feel too sick, or needing to to take two trains and a bus just to get to the clinic.
Cancer Care has a Multiple Myeloma Transportation program to provide support that includes financial assistance to eligible individuals to pay for transportation-related costs such as gas, taxis, Uber or Lyft and public transportations in the New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Tri-State area. The financial assistance component of the program will continue until available funds are disbursed.
To be eligible you need to:
- Have a diagnosis of cancer confirmed by an oncology health care provider
- Be in active treatment for your cancer
- Live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
- Meet the eligibility guidelines based on the Federal Poverty Limit
To apply for the program, call CancerCare's hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673), staffed Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 6 pm ET and Friday from 10 am - 5 pm ET. You will complete a brief interview. If you are eligible to apply, they will:
- Mail/email you an individualized bar coded application
- Request documentation to verify your income. Acceptable proof of income:
- The first two pages of signed income tax return (you may blacken out your social security number)
- If you do not file a tax return, you may submit a copy of your most recent pay stub, unemployment check, or SSI, SSD, or public assistance benefit notification
- If you do not have any income, provide a letter of support from friend or family member
Additional services include counseling and other emotional support services provided by oncology social workers.
