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Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program

Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program

 

If you live in New York State, are uninsured, and you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to apply for the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program. This program covers treatment for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer. It may also cover some pre-cancerous medical conditions that are associated with these types of cancers. The program only covers the patient undergoing treatment for cancer. If you qualify for the program, you will be given full Medicaid coverage during the course of your treatment. More importantly, you can focus on regaining your health without worrying about the costs of cancer treatments. If you qualify for it, this program will provide you and your loved ones with the support you need during an otherwise difficult time.

How Do You Apply?

While regular low-income medical services can be accessed through the Social Services department in your county, enrollment in the MCTP takes place with various partnership groups. If you have been screened and diagnosed for cancer, you will need to make an application through one of these program services. Your application will be processed at the state level. There, your case will be assessed, and subsequently approved or denied. There are various state centers in each county in the state, and they will be able to give you advice on completing and submitting paperwork and applications, as well as any other assistance you might need. In addition, these programs can direct you to any additional outside help, including legal services if you need or want them. The program center may also be able to help you find sources of low-cost emotional support for you and your family during the course of your treatment.

Who is Eligible?

There are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to enroll in the program. Usually, you must first be screened for cancer by a program provider who will provide you with the diagnosis. In all instances, you must be a resident of New York State, a US citizen or a resident non-citizen, and you must not have insurance coverage at the time of your application. Different forms of cancer have different requirements for treatment under the terms and conditions of the program. For example, while patients with prostate or colorectal cancer must be under sixty-five years old to qualify for treatment, patients with breast or cervical cancer do not have any age restrictions for their cancer treatment.

Screening and Prevention

The program also offers screening for pre-cancerous conditions in certain cases. If you qualify for these screenings because you are uninsured and have a low income, they can be an actual lifesaver. Early detection of cancer not only extends and saves lives, it saves time, money, and resources as well. Usually, these screenings include mammograms or pap smears for low-income women, since these cancers are more easily treated when they are detected earlier, and become much harder to treat in their advanced stages. Women over forty, and high-risk women under forty should schedule a mammogram and breast examination, while women over forty should schedule annual pelvic exams. In addition, men and women over the age of fifty should be screened for colorectal cancer. However, if you notice abnormal symptoms that may be linked to any of these types of cancer and you are not of the appropriate age for CSP screening services, they may be able to direct you to other low-income screening programs.

These screenings and diagnostic tests are provided through the provider at no charge to you if you qualify as having too low of an income to pay for them. They are typically offered at clinics, doctor’s offices, and health centers which participate in the state approved program. However, men who are screened and diagnosed with prostate cancer are usually not covered by the program and should enroll separately in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program.

Re-Enrollment and Eligibility

Once you are approved for the MCTP, you will receive the benefits and treatment that you need for a pre-determined amount of time, depending on the type of cancer you have. Ultimately, your doctor will have to re-certify you on an annual basis if they believe that you will continue to need treatment. Your eligibility to continue using the services of the program will be assessed. During the course of your treatment, you will have full Medicaid coverage, meaning that your co-pays on medical procedures, medicines, and various services will be covered for you as long as you remain eligible for the program. Your treatment must be received from a Medicaid-enrolled provider in order to qualify for free services. This may limit you to a certain number of doctors or hospitals in the area, but the quality of your treatment will not be reduced. The program will continue to provide support to you until you are recovered or you are otherwise deemed ineligible for continued treatment.

Getting in Touch

It is necessary to recognize that appropriate and timely treatment can save lives in the fight against cancer. If you or a member of your family are at risk for developing breast, cervical, colorectal, or prostate cancer, then you should not wait until it is too late because you are worried about the cost of cancer treatment. This is why this cancer treatment program is a valuable resource for patients who are uninsured and have low incomes. You will receive treatment for as long as you need it, and you will have no worries about having to cover your medical expenses as well as your day-to-day living costs. In turn, this will allow you to fight cancer without the fear of massive medical bills, as well as the potential loss of income or work. Do not wait if you have no insurance, but you think that your health is at risk. Prevention and early detection can save your life.

The content of this article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this article for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.

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