Patient Assistance Fund

Reopened and Accepting New Applications!*

*as of September 19, 2024

The Kidney Cancer Association offers financial assistance to help individuals with financial hardships caused by their kidney cancer diagnosis. We believe your focus should be on your health, not on your finances.

Financial Assistance Options Available:

$250 Visa Gift Card

New in 2024:

A member of your kidney cancer medical team will need to apply for you on your behalf; applications submitted by patients, caregivers, or other loved ones will be returned with instructions on how to have your kidney cancer medical team apply for you.
You will need to show that you will have at least $250 in expenses related to your kidney cancer diagnosis this year.
Online applications will be the only submission method accepted.

See more details below.

Eligibility Requirements:

You must be a United States citizen or legal resident
- Your kidney cancer medical team will need to confirm your citizenship status when applying.
You must have a provider-verified primary kidney cancer diagnosis and are currently receiving treatment
- Your kidney cancer medical team will need to verify your kidney cancer diagnosis as well as the type of treatment you are receiving or are planning to receive.
- Approved types of treatments may include:
  - Surgery (completed 6 months prior to application date or scheduled within the next 6 months)
  - Medications (including participating in a clinical trial)
  - Radiation therapy
  - Other (an explanation of the type of treatment will be needed)*
- Kidney cancer types that will be accepted are:
  - Clear cell RCC
  - Chromophobe RCC
  - Collecting duct RCC
  - Papillary RCC
  - Renal Medullary Carcinoma
  - Translocation RCC
  - Unclassified RCC
  - Renal sarcoma
  - Wilms tumor
You must provide proof of financial hardship because of your kidney cancer diagnosis
- You will need to demonstrate you will have expenses that total at least $250 or more related directly to your kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment incurred 6 months prior to application date and/or expected in the next 12 months from application date in at least one of the following categories:
  - Insurance-related costs (premium/co-pays/co-insurance/deductible)
  - Kidney cancer related medical bills**
  - Kidney cancer related prescriptions
  - Kidney cancer related travel (including lodging, transportation, parking, gas, tolls, food)
  - Medical equipment needed because of your kidney cancer

*active surveillance or routine follow-up care will not be an acceptable type of treatment.
**funeral/burial expenses may be considered in this category

How to Apply:

Applications are only accepted using our online form submitted by a member of your kidney cancer medical team.
Click the orange button below to access the Patient Assistance Fund Portal

Access Patient Assistance Form Here

Next Steps:

After your application has been submitted by your kidney cancer medical team, you will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application will be reviewed by KCA staff and you’ll receive an email update on the status of your application within 5 business days of it being initially reviewed. Review times may vary depending on the number of other applications received, holidays, or other circumstances outside of the KCA’s control.
If your application has been declined, you will receive an email notifying you that your application has been declined and will include the reason(s) why.
- Reasons you may be declined include (but are not limited to):
  - Not a US citizen or legal resident
  - Not actively receiving treatment for kidney cancer or have an approved kidney cancer diagnosis
  - Will not have more than $250 in expenses directly related to your kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment
  - Have received a gift card within the last 12 months
If your application has been approved, you will receive an email notifying you of the approval. Your $250 gift card will be arriving in the mail within 5-10 business days following application approval.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How often can I receive a gift card?

As long as you meet the eligibility requirements and your kidney cancer medical team applies on your behalf, you are eligible for a $250 gift card once every 12 months.

Can I apply for myself or a loved one with kidney cancer?

No, only a healthcare professional on your kidney cancer medical team member can apply on your behalf. The portal is available 24 hours a day.

Can I call, fax, or physically mail in an application?

Only online applications will be accepted.

Can I apply if I’m not a US citizen or resident?

Only US citizens and legal residents are eligible to receive assistance.

Could you direct me to additional financial resources?

Please contact our Patient Navigator Program webpage to learn more about additional financial assistance: https://www.kidneycancer.org/patient-navigator-program/

How will I know the status of my application?

You will receive an email when a decision has been made regarding your application.

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