Cancer state aid : frequently asked questions

How long does my coverage last?
CSA enrollment and coverage begins on either July 1st or the date your application is approved. All CSA coverage ends on June 30th, when active cancer treatment ends, or when reimbursements reach the maximum allowed, whichever comes first. This includes coverage for all prescription medications and refills. All CSA coverage is limited to currently available program funds.
How do I reapply when my coverage expires?
Please reapply at least one month before your coverage ends. You must reapply through the participating facility where you are currently receiving treatment. It is your responsibility to know when your coverage ends and to initiate reapplication for the program. To be eligible for coverage, you must be in need of, or currently receiving, active cancer care, treatment, or services.
What if I receive a bill?
If you receive a bill for services that you believe should be covered by CSA, contact the provider who sent you the bill to review and attempt to resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, ask the provider to contact CSA to review the claim. Patients may also mail or fax a copy of the bill in question along with an explanation to the CSA office.
Phone: 404-463-5111 Fax: 404-657-6316

How do I obtain prescription medications?
All reimbursable medications require a prescription from a program-affiliated physician. The prescription must be approved prior to dispensing. The dispensing pharmacy must have participation approval from the CSA program. Prescriptions are restricted to medications that are directly related to cancer treatment.
What if I get Medicaid or insurance?
If you become eligible for Medicaid, your CSA coverage terminates. If your Medicaid coverage ends, you will need to reapply to the program to resume coverage.
If you become eligible for comprehensive health insurance, your coverage through CSA will terminate. If there are cancer-related services your insurance does not cover, it is possible that CSA may provide reimbursement for those services. Cases are reviewed on an individual basis. For consideration in special circumstances, the CSA patient contact at your participating facility should contact the CSA program on your behalf.
Cancer State Aid Program Department of Public Health
Two Peachtree Street, NW 16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Phone: 404-463-5111
Fax: 404-657-6316
PARTMENT

Department of Public Health
Cancer State Aid
Frequently Asked Questions

DE TH

OF PU

BLIC HEAL

September 2011

What is Cancer State Aid?
The Cancer State Aid (CSA) program was established in 1937 by the Georgia legislature at the request of the state's physicians. CSA is offered through the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), Office of Cancer Screening and Treatment. This program serves eligible low-income uninsured and under-insured cancer patients. To be eligible, treatment must be provided at facilities that participate in the program. Reimbursement to hospitals is based on a percentage of their costs; the hospitals serve the patients at no profit. Each patient's acceptance into the program is limited to the state fiscal year; July 1st to June 30th.
What services are covered?
Cancer-related inpatient and outpatient services may be covered up to a maximum program reimbursement of $50,000 per patient per fiscal year. The amount of reimbursement provided will be determined by the patient's current medical needs as documented by the treating physician.
Cancer and related treatment services may include: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Home health services (limited) Prescription medications
Services must be directly related to treatment of the patient's cancer to be eligible for CSA coverage.

What kinds of facilities participate?
There are five types of facilities that participate: Hospitals Free-standing chemotherapy centers Free-standing radiation therapy centers Home health agencies (limited) Retail pharmacies
Patients are eligible for pharmacy services only if they are currently receiving active cancer treatment and are currently enrolled in CSA.
A current list of CSA participating facilities is available on the CSA website at health. state.ga.us/programs/cancerstateaid/ index.asp. Additional pharmacies or facilities must have an approved CSA agreement prior to providing services and to be eligible for Program payments.
Where are participating facilities?
Participating facilities are located throughout Georgia. For specific locations, please contact the CSA program at 404-463-5111 or visit our website: health.state.ga.us/ programs/cancerstateaid/index.asp.
Which doctors participate?
Physicians must agree to participate and be affiliated with a facility that currently participates in CSA, for services to be covered by CSA. Physicians donate their time and are not reimbursed for their services by either CSA or the patient for covered services. Services provided in a private physician's office are not eligible for coverage by the program.

How do I become a patient at a Cancer State Aid participating facility?
If you are already a patient at a CSA participating facility, you should apply for the program through that facility. The participating facility's CSA patient contact will provide assistance.
If you are not already a patient at a participating facility, you will need to request a referral from your current physician to a CSA participating facility.
If you are approved or enrolled in CSA and select a non-participating physician and/or facility, you will be responsible for all treatment costs and/or payment arrangements for services billed by a non-participating physician and/or facility. For your services to be eligible for CSA reimbursement you must first have program approval and be assigned to the CSA participating facility prior to receiving care.
What if my situation changes?
Immediately report any changes in personal contact information, financial, insurance, marital status and treatment status including completion of active treatment. Changes should be reported to the CSA patient contact at the facility where you receive treatment and directly to the CSA program.
Information in this document is intended only for general information purposes. For program details please contact CSA by:
Phone: 404-463-5111; Fax: 404-657-6316; or E-mail: CSA@dhr.state.ga.us
Cancer State Aid Program Department of Public Health Two Peachtree Street, NW, 16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303