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Financial Resources

Complex financial issues may arise during cancer care. To assist in asking the right questions and obtaining the appropriate resources, the U-M Cancer Center offers financial counseling assistance.

For patients with insurance coverage

The best source of information about the specific coverage is the insurance company that issued the health insurance policy or, if the patient is covered under a group policy at work, the employer's benefit office. Questions to ask the insurance provider:
  • Is the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center a covered provider? If the plan does not cover our Center, ask if there are any exceptions. If no exceptions exist, the patient may still obtain care from our Center, but it will be at his or her own expense
  • What inpatient and outpatient services, medications, prescriptions and diagnostic procedures are covered?
  • Are there any limitations or restrictions on cancer care?
  • Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?

Tips

  • Ask for clarification if anything that is said that is not understood.
  • Be sure to follow all guidelines and fill out all paperwork requested by the insurance company.
  • Bring all necessary forms and referrals to the appointment.
  • Always keep a written record of the organization contacted, including phone number, name of representatives and brief notes of what was discussed.

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For patients with no insurance or insufficient coverage

Many people do not have full insurance coverage and some have no coverage at all. If this is the case, there are two main options: request a deferred payment plan from the U-M Health System and/or seek other sources of financial assistance, depending on the patients ability to meet eligibility requirements.

If the patient requires assistance, please notify the health care team. The team will then contact a social worker to help determine the resources available to help.

U-M Billing

During treatment, every patient receives two different types of bills from the University of Michigan Health System - one for inpatient or outpatient facility services (such as X-rays or lab tests) and a second for the professional services of physicians.

For questions about any bill received after visit, call 800-597-0836.

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Financial Assistance with Parking

The Guest Assistance Program (phone 800-888-9825) can provide information about eligibility.

Parking Discounts for Cancer Center Patients
The cost of parking is as follows:

Unstamped tickets (for general public, sales reps, contractors, temporary employees, staff, etc.)
$2 first hour
$1 each additional hour
$10 daily (24 hour) maximum

Stamped tickets/reduced rate (for patients, visitors)
$1 first hour
$2 over one hour to 24 hours (daily maximum)

Patients and inpatient visitors can pay a lower parking fee by having their parking tickets stamped. For more information, please see the University of Michigan Health System Patient / Visitor Guide.

In addition to the Financial Need discount (50 cent maximum parking fee), which is available to any UM Health System patient who fits the federal government financial need guidelines, certain Cancer Center patients are eligible for 50 cent parking under the following two programs:

Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone Marrow Transplant patients are eligible for the parking discount when visiting for a clinic or treatment appointment.

Infusion
Infusion patients who are receiving treatments more than once a week are responsible for paying the full parking fee for the first day of treatment, but are eligible for the parking discount for any subsequent treatments for the rest of the week.

 

Meal Financial Assistance

The Guest Assistance Program (phone 800-888-9825) can provide information about eligibility for meal vouchers.

 

Pharmacy Assistance Program

The Guest Assistance Program offers help to patients who face financial difficulties purchasing prescriptions. For more information, call 800-888-9825.

 

Lower Phone Rates for Low Income Households

Staying in contact with others during cancer treatment is vital. From maintaining a dialogue with employers to receiving words of encouragement from friends, the phone is an important tool for patients.

Because no one should be without phone service, Ameritech, in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission and the Michigan Public Service Commission, offers Lifeline Service which provides financial assistance for low income households. In addition to a 50 percent reduction in phone start-up charges, Lifeline Service provides an $8.25 discount on monthly phone service. Ameritech must be contacted within 30 days of ordering phone service. Households receiving assistance from Family Independence Agency automatically qualify.

For more information or to order by phone, call 800-621-8650 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Proof of income will be required.

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Transportation within the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Area

Gold Card: available free to persons 65 or older who live anywhere, this card can only be utilized within the Ann Arbor city limits. The Gold Card enables the card holder to ride a taxi for $1.50 one way (companions cost extra), and ride AATA fixed bus routes at no cost.

A-RIDE Card: available free to a person of any age with a disability. Medical certification is required.This authorizes the card-holder to make use of the AATAs special handicap van service.

Contact: Pick up applications the Guest Assistance Program on level 2 of University Hospital (near the chapel), or call Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) at 734-973-6500.

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