HealthWell Foundation: Support for Cancer Costs

You know cancer care costs way more than just treatment.
Health insurance helps — but often leaves gaps that hit your wallet hard. That’s where the HealthWell Foundation steps in with real help designed for people exactly like you. Let’s break down what it does, how it’s different from similar groups, and how to use it to your advantage.

What HealthWell Covers

HealthWell provides financial help for out-of-pocket medical costs when insurance leaves gaps. That can include:

• Prescription drug copays and coinsurance

• Insurance premiums

• Deductibles

• Home care services and durable medical equipment (DME)

• Behavioral health costs for patients or caregivers in some cases

This is especially helpful when high out-of-pocket costs make treatment or support care hard to afford.

How HealthWell Is Different From PAN and TAF

There are other nonprofits that help with medical costs — like PAN Foundation and The Assistance Fund (TAF) — but they’re a little different.

• PAN Foundation focuses on patient advocacy and assistance for a wide range of conditions and also supports insurance navigation resources. It often partners with federal programs like Medicare Extra Help too.

• The Assistance Fund (TAF) offers help for out-of-pocket costs, mainly for medications and treatment.

• HealthWell is especially known for covering copays, premiums, and non-medical needs like DME or home care support, plus it has behavioral health caregiver support.

Each group has its own funds and eligibility requirements, so sometimes applying to more than one makes sense.

Medicare Focus Explained

For people on Medicare, HealthWell has specific Medicare Access Funds that help with:

• Prescription drug costs covered under Medicare Part B or Part D

• Premium and cost-sharing support when Medicare doesn’t fully cover treatment costs

For example, some funds assist patients with breast cancer on Medicare Part B or similar conditions — helping you pay for medications and related costs that insurance doesn’t pick up.

Home Care and DME Grants

Cancer care doesn’t end in the hospital. You might need equipment or help at home — and that’s stressful and expensive.

HealthWell’s Cancer Home Care Services Fund offers up to $2,000 for eligible patients over a 12-month period to help cover:

• Home health care service costs

• Durable medical equipment (like beds, lifts, mobility aids)

This fund is designed to keep patients safe and comfortable at home, not just in clinical settings.

Income Thresholds

To qualify for most HealthWell funds, you must:

• Have some form of health insurance (like private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE)

• Be receiving treatment in the United States

• Have household income typically up to 300–500% of the Federal Poverty Level depending on the fund

They factor in household size and where you live, so it’s worth applying even if you’re unsure.

Application Process

Here’s how to get started:

1. Check if a fund exists for your diagnosis and treatment. You can look up the relevant disease funds on HealthWell’s site.

2. Gather basic info: insurance details, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

3. Apply online with the foundation — or ask your care team to help.

4. Keep documentation ready, like doctor verification of diagnosis and insurance info.

If your disease isn’t currently listed, you can watch for new fund openings or request expansion.

Disease Fund Rotations & Renewal Strategies

Funds open and close at different times. Some key points:

• HealthWell frequently updates disease funds based on need and funding availability.

• Sign up for email alerts so you know when new or reopened funds become available.

• If you receive a grant, know the renewal window and requirements early — many grants last 12 months.

Staying ahead of renewal deadlines helps keep your support continuous.

Coordination With Oncology Offices

Your oncology team, social worker, or financial navigator can apply on your behalf. Hospitals often help with:

• Identifying eligible funds

• Submitting applications

• Following up with HealthWell representatives

You don’t have to navigate it alone — and getting help from your care team makes the process smoother.

When HealthWell Is the Best Fit

HealthWell is especially useful if:

• Insurance covers some costs but leaves big gaps

• You’re on Medicare and need help with premiums or copays

• You need equipment or in-home support

• You want support for behavioral health costs tied to cancer care

When most other options fail, HealthWell is one of the most flexible safety nets for underinsured patients.

Bottom Line

HealthWell isn’t just another charity — it’s a targeted financial support system for people with serious medical costs.
If insurance helps but doesn’t cover enough, HealthWell might be the bridge that keeps your care going, your stress down, and your focus on healing.