New York houses several world-renowned cancer centers. However, not everyone can gain access to these facilities and the treatments they offer outright. The state of New York provides various financial assistance programs to its constituents so that they may get the medical attention that they need.
Patients often require a wide range of support beyond medical treatments to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of cancer. This article aims to help cancer patients in New York find the kind of support they need.
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Existing Support from the Government
Across the state of New York, various government programs are in place for cancer patients who require extra assistance. These programs allow everyone to access necessary care, alleviating the burden of cancer for a significant portion of affected New Yorkers.
These government programs include:
| Medicaid | This is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including those with cancer. As of December 2021, more than 7.3 million cancer patients in New York are benefiting from this program. Special programs are also available for affected children. New York Medicaid Helpline: (800) 541-2831 (Mon.-Fri: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM || Sat: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) |
| Medicare | This federal health insurance program is available for cancer patients who are 65 or older – with a few exceptions for younger patients. Through this program, patients benefit from reduced/waived medical expenses for treatment supplies, services, and prescription drugs. National Medicare Hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) || 1-877-486-2048 |
| New York City Health and Hospitals | A system comprised of an integrated network of healthcare facilities and professionals in NYC. This network caters to around one million patients annually – dedicated to providing accessible and affordable treatments/services. They also provide cancer support through screening, diagnosis, financial counseling, social support, and clinical trials. NYC H+H Hotline: 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692) |
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | This financial assistance program is for individuals within the Social Security System who are unable to work due to a disability or illness. |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | This is a financial assistance program for disabled/sick individuals or older adults with little to no income. Through this program, stakeholders receive monthly financial support. |
These supports ensure equitable access to cancer care, reduce financial burdens and improve cancer trajectories – especially for less privileged patients.
Support from Non-Government Organizations
In New York City, various non-government organizations (NGOs) support affected individuals by providing emotional support, financial assistance, education, and a sense of community. Some examples of such NGOs are as follows:
| Institution | Location and Contact | Supports Provided |
| 1. American Cancer Society - New York City | Address: 132 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 1-800-227-2345 | - Lodging for patients and caretakers - Transportation assistance- Support groups- Patient education- Research |
| 2. CancerCare | Address: 275 Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 800‑813‑4673 | - Emotional counseling- Patient education (workshops and publications)- Financial assistance- Specialized support (for specific cancer types) |
| 3. Gilda's Club New York City | Address: 195 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014 Phone: 212-647-9700 | - Support groups for patients, survivors, and family members- Heath and wellness workshops- Social activities- Short-term counseling and referral |
| 4. SHARE Cancer Support | Address: 165 West 46th Street, Suite 712, New York, NY, 10036 Phone: 212-719-0364 || 844-275-7427 | **specializes in breast, uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers - Support groups- Webinars/seminars- Awareness initiatives- Wellness programs (yoga, meditation, etc.)- Clinical trial assistance |
| 5. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society NYC | Address: 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 *As of this update, their offices are closed. Phone: 212-376-7100 | **specializes in blood cancers - Patient education- Support Groups- Financial assistance for treatments- Research- Advocacy initiatives |
| 6. Susan G. Komen Greater New York City | Address: *No information is available on their New York office* Phone: 1-877-465-6636 | **specializes in breast cancer - Education and outreach- Screening, diagnosis, treatments- Financial assistance- Support groups- Research |
| 7. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Address: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 Phone: 212-639-2000 | - Clinical trials- Financial plans for treatments/services- Counseling and rehabilitation- Patient education- Survivorship program |
NGO support is essential in the fight against cancer. It complements medical care by providing platforms that improve patients' emotional well-being, financial stability, and quality of life. Through their advocacy, NGOs create a comprehensive, accessible support system for patients and families.
Cancer Support Groups across New York City
Cancer support groups make a real difference in an individual’s cancer journey. Not only do these groups provide emotional support, but they also offer practical help and valuable information. Through such groups, you get the chance to connect with others who truly understand what you're going through, healing together in the process.
Here are some support groups across New York City that you could look into:
| MANHATTAN |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
| CancerCare (Manhattan Office) |
| Mount Sinai |
| Weill Cornell Medicine |
| BROOKLYN |
| Maimonides Medical Center |
| New York-Presbyterian Hospital (Brooklyn) |
| QUEENS |
| NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Queens) |
| Elmhurst Cancer Center |
| CancerCare (Queens Office) |
| STATEN ISLAND |
| Staten Island University Hospital |
| Richmond University Medical Center |
| American Cancer Society (Staten Island Office) |
| THE BRONX |
| Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center |
Legal Support for Misdiagnosed NYC Cancer Patients
According to the New York State Department of Health, around 115,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with cancer every year. Of all these cases, latest figures suggest that only 48.4% of these cancers are detected in their early stages**.
**Figure taken from this report from the NY Department of Health
Delayed diagnoses of cancer result from medical malpractice. Such errors allow cancer to progress and effectively reduce the life expectancy of patients. Negligent doctors can be held liable for medical malpractice. Any damages incurred (economic and non-economic) can be legally compensated. Please check our previous wins for more insight.
At the Porter Law Group, we take pride in helping families rebuild from unfavorable circumstances. If you have any questions regarding cancer misdiagnosis or cancer errors, please reach out for a no-obligation, free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you don’t have to pay anything unless we win.
You may also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule an appointment.
