Patient Support Fund Program

Geographic Scope: Alaska

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

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.

Application Process

Who Can Apply:

The Patient Support Fund request must be submitted by a member of the patient's medical care team (oncology provider, radiation oncology provider, oncology patient navigator, or social worker)

Patients should contact a member of their care team directly if they are in financial need

Steps to Apply:

1. Patient initiates contact with a member of their medical care team to explore support options
2. Patient completes the Patient Support Fund Intake Form
3. Patient returns the completed intake form to their care team member
4. Care team member submits the application on behalf of the patient
5. AIOF coordinates directly with the care team member to confirm details
6. AIOF arranges payment following approval

Required Materials:

Patient Support Fund Intake Form (completed in its entirety)

At least ONE document showing 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 hospital/medical system
- Other documents supporting income type

Important Notes:

The intake form must be completed in its entirety before funds are reviewed for approval

No request is approved until all elements of the request are submitted

If the need for funds is emergent or time-sensitive, notify the care team member to coordinate appropriately

For care team members submitting for the first time: Contact Ali Cano at ali@aiofak.org to receive brief orientation and required forms