Info
Resources for United States
The information below applies to care received in United States. It comes from official sources, each with a link and the date it was last checked. If you are treated in another country, open that country's page instead: emergency numbers, services and rights are different.
Urgent and crisis contacts
Emergency: call 911
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988
available around the clock (24/7)
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: 988lifeline.org
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
Numbers come from first-party sources. Confirm them if the situation is critical.
Cancer support services
- American Cancer Society1-800-227-2345
Round-the-clock information and support for patients, families and caregivers.
around the clock (24/7)
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: cancer.org
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- CancerCare1-800-813-4673
Free professional support (oncology social workers) and financial assistance. Also in Spanish.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: cancercare.org
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- National Cancer Institute1-800-422-6237
The National Cancer Institute's government cancer information service.
Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm (ET)
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: cancer.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
Hours are shown in the service's local time unless another timezone is stated.
Source checked internally. External specialist review is still pending. We curate this list from official sources. Check the details on the organisation's website.
Rights and financial support
For information only, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official source or an adviser.
- Job protection & accommodations at work (ADA)
Jurisdiction: United States
Cancer generally qualifies as a disability under the ADA, so your employer must consider reasonable accommodations — flexible schedules, leave for treatment, rest breaks, remote work — and must keep your medical information confidential. If you face discrimination, file a free charge with the EEOC within 180 days (300 days in some states).
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: eeoc.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Up to 12 weeks job-protected leave (FMLA)
Jurisdiction: United States
Eligible employees can take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per 12-month period for their own serious health condition, including cancer treatment, and use it intermittently for chemo or appointments while group health benefits continue. Ask HR for FMLA paperwork and have your doctor complete the medical certification form.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: dol.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Health insurance can't reject you for cancer (ACA)
Jurisdiction: United States
Marketplace plans cannot reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits because of cancer or any other pre-existing condition. Losing other coverage opens a Special Enrollment Period — usually 60 days — so apply at HealthCare.gov (or your state's marketplace) even outside Open Enrollment.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: healthcare.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Disability income (SSDI/SSI), fast-tracked cancers
Jurisdiction: United States
If cancer stops or limits your ability to work, Social Security pays monthly disability benefits: SSDI if you have enough work history, or SSI if you have limited income and resources. Many advanced or aggressive cancers are on SSA's Compassionate Allowances list, which automatically fast-tracks the decision — apply online at ssa.gov as soon as possible, no special request needed.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: ssa.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Medicare & Medicaid routes for cancer patients
Jurisdiction: United States
If you receive SSDI, you get Medicare automatically after 24 months of disability benefits, even if you are under 65. Medicaid covers eligible low-income patients year-round, and SSI recipients qualify automatically in most states — check your state's rules and apply through your state Medicaid agency or the HealthCare.gov screener.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: medicaid.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Caregivers: FMLA leave for spouse, child, parent
Jurisdiction: United States
If you care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition such as cancer, FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year, usable intermittently for treatment days. Ask HR for the caregiver FMLA forms and have your relative's doctor complete the certification.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: dol.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Hospital financial assistance (charity care)
Jurisdiction: United States
Federal law (ACA Section 501(r)) requires nonprofit hospitals to maintain a written financial assistance policy offering free or discounted emergency and medically necessary care to eligible patients, and to publicize it. Before paying a large bill, ask the hospital's billing office or financial counselor for the financial assistance application.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: irs.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
- Keep your job health plan for a time (COBRA)
Jurisdiction: United States
After leaving a job or losing hours, COBRA lets you keep your employer's group health plan — typically up to 18 months, extendable to 29 months if SSA determines you are disabled — by paying the full premium (up to 102% of plan cost). Elect COBRA within 60 days of receiving your election notice or losing coverage, whichever is later.
Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: dol.gov
Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14
Source checked internally. External specialist review is still pending.
Resources for another country
This page is also written for Romanians treated outside Romania. The same content, from the same sources, exists in Romanian and in English.
We are not a healthcare provider and we do not give legal advice. Confirm anything critical directly with the cited source or with your medical team.