Illness affects many aspects of our lives. Families often face financial concerns when their child is in treatment. Sometimes, a caregiver may have to change their work schedule or leave their job for a while to care for their child. Other families may have new expenses they did not plan for in advance.
Thanks to our donors, St. Jude offers many benefits that help reduce costs for families. Patient Services can review these services with you.
Below are ways to get the most out of your own resources while your child is in treatment.
Federal programs
Medicaid
If you do not have health care coverage through your job, you may be able to apply for Medicaid benefits for your child. Learn more:
St. Jude also has a staff member who can explore Medicaid for you. Call 901-595-2670 and ask for the FirstSource/MedAssist consultant.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
This program provides a monthly income for U.S. citizens who are disabled as defined by Social Security.
Social Security looks at the family's income and resources to decide if the person is eligible for SSI. A St. Jude social worker can give you details about applying.
Learn more: ssa.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm
SSDI (Social Security Disability Income)
This program is for adults 18 or older who are disabled and meet other Social Security guidelines.
Learn more: www.ssa.gov/disability/
Job-related resources
Talk to your employer's human resources department about the following:
- FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act): This law protects your job while you care for a sick family member.
- Leave-sharing programs: Some companies offer this benefit for employees who have emergency needs while caring for sick family members.
- 401K: You may be able to access your 401k or company benevolent funds.
- COBRA: This law protects your medical insurance coverage if you must leave your job.
- Insurance: Review your health insurance coverage. Note any changes related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. (Learn more: healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act/) Review any private insurance policies you may have.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act: Learn how this act prevents discrimination when adult patients return to work. Visit ada.gov.
Reducing monthly expenses
It can be helpful to review your monthly expenses and consider ways to cut back while your child is in treatment. Some lenders or creditors may agree to delay or postpone payments because of a medical disability or emergency.
Fundraisers
Before any fundraising activities begin, it is important to research your options. You may also want to talk to a financial adviser, a tax preparer, or an attorney. They can help you understand how funding of this type might affect your financial situation, including whether you can get or keep any federal benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
St. Jude has fundraising programs to support the hospital’s research and treatment efforts. Please do not use the name St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in personal fundraising efforts. Also, do not use the St. Jude logo as part of those efforts.
Foundations and other funding agencies
Some families explore resources in their home communities. These resources may include United Way partner agencies, community or private foundations, and religious organizations.
A limited number of agencies and groups offer financial help. Each agency has its own requirements and aid is usually based on a child's medical diagnosis or other factors. These factors can include:
- Age
- Diagnosis
- Treatment plan
- Permanent residency
- Family income
Some agencies and charities limit the number of applications they accept from patients at one hospital. Some groups accept applications directly from families. Others require that a hospital social worker take part in the process.
Please contact your St. Jude social worker if you have a question about a specific agency’s requirements. Because of privacy laws, you will be asked to sign a consent to release information to the agency if a St. Jude social worker works with the agency on your behalf.
Your social worker cannot make referrals for all agencies or help with crowdfunding. But you may still apply for funding with those groups on your own. If requested, your social worker can provide a letter to you that verifies:
- Your child is a St. Jude patient
- Your child’s diagnosis
- Your child’s expected length of treatment
Please speak to your financial adviser or tax preparer to learn how such funding might affect your financial situation, including whether you can get or keep any federal benefits.
Your social worker can help
If you are concerned about financial problems that relate to your child's illness, please talk to your St. Jude social worker. They can set up a meeting with the case management social worker to explore financial resources. If you do not know your social worker's phone number, call Social Work at 901-595-3670.
