Patient Support Fund Program

Patient Support Fund Program

Funder: Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation (Alaska, US)

Geographic Scope: Alaska

Focus Areas: Financial assistance for cancer patients to address barriers to care and access to treatment

Overview

The AIOF Patient Support Fund has been created to address patient needs related to access to care and alleviate financial burdens for cancer patients. When other means are unavailable, the fund serves as a safety net to provide financial support to meet individual unique needs of Alaskans undergoing cancer treatment. Support is offered regardless of where care is received (surgical oncology, medical oncology, or radiation oncology providers).

Award Amount

Up to $2,000 per patient per year. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to funding availability.

Eligible Applicants

Must meet ALL of the following:
• Have a diagnosis of cancer and be receiving treatment under the care of a physician
• Demonstrate that financial support is necessary to gain access to care
• Show that necessary support is not covered by insurance or other available resources (grants, community providers, etc.)

Covered Expenses

Transportation:
• Flights and travel costs to/from hospitals or clinics
• Gas cards, bus passes, parking fees
• RV pads, boat mooring, or other transportation needs
• Taxi or ride shares (if not covered under other programs)
• Travel for an escort when medically necessary

Lodging and Basic Needs:

Hotels/lodging related to cancer care

Rental assistance

Direct payment of utilities, phone bills, car insurance

Other basic needs

Other Covered Expenses:

Durable medical equipment (DME)

Prescriptions

Counseling/therapy

Funding for participation in support group retreats/events

Childcare costs or temporary childcare (by licensed facility)

Some medical expenses

Non-Covered Expenses

Funds cannot be used for:
• Non-essential travel
• Credit card payments
• Fines or penalties
• Non-medical home renovations
• Luxury accommodations
• Fundraising costs
• Political fees
• Legal fees
• Cash or cash-like items
• Gift cards (except gas cards for fuel only)
• Payments to another medical facility to cover medical bills

Documentation Required

No specific income limit. Applicants must submit at least ONE of the following to show financial need:
• Most recent tax return or W-2
• Last three pay stubs
• Proof of government assistance (Medicaid or SNAP)
• Social Security Income Verification Letter
• Letter of Approval for financial assistance/charity care from a hospital/medical system
• Any other documents supporting income type

Payment Methods

• Primary: Credit card payment made directly by AIOF
• Secondary: ACH payment (bank transfer, 5-7 business days) or check (2-3 weeks via mail)

Processing Timeline

• Best case: 1-3 days
• Typical: Up to a few weeks
• Each case is unique; every effort made for thorough and timely process
• Emergent/time-sensitive needs should be flagged to care team member
• No request approved until all elements submitted

Contact Information

For care team members applying (first time): Ali Cano at ali@aiofak.org to receive orientation and required forms

Organization Contact:

Address: 2550 Denali St. Ste 724, Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Email: info@aiofak.org

Phone: 907.743.3910

Background

Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving cancer care in Alaska. This fund recognizes Alaska's unique challenges including high costs and expenses.