A snapshot of Cancer State Aid Program

The Georgia Department Of Community Health
A SNAPSHOT OF
Cancer State Aid Program
What is the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program?
The Cancer State Aid Program was established in 1937 by the Georgia legislature at the request of Georgia physicians to provide cancer treatment to uninsured and under-insured, low-income cancer patients. This treatment program is available to eligible Georgians who would benefit most from treatment. Physicians donate their services.
The program reimburses a portion of costs incurred by participating facilities for diagnostic and treatment services provided to enrolled low-income, uninsured cancer patients in Georgia. Funding for the program is determined by the Georgia legislature each year.
What services does the Cancer State Aid Program provide?
Inpatient and outpatient cancer treatment at participating hospitals Outpatient chemotherapy and radiation therapy at approved freestanding chemotherapy and radiation
centers Prior approved cancer treatment prescriptions provided by approved private pharmacies
What are the requirements for eligibility?
Must be uninsured or underinsured, and not eligible for Medicaid or full Medicare coverage Must be a Georgia resident who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien (lawfully admitted to reside
permanently) Must meet financial guidelines. Family income must be at or below 200 percent of federal poverty income
guidelines. Patients with high outstanding medical bills, who are low-income may be eligible Insurance copayments are not eligible for CSA payment Must be receiving, or in need of "active" cancer treatment (not only follow-up) or have a condition that has
been medically evaluated as highly suspicious of cancer Must have a cancer that will benefit from treatment Must be accepted for treatment by a physician affiliated with a participating facility Patient must also receive treatments at a participating facility
What are the program limitations?
New patients are prioritized and accepted based on cancer site, stage and expected treatment effectiveness as described in the latest scientific literature and cancer survival rates
Applications will be considered based on the date they are received. Cancer State Aid does not provide payments for services received by patients prior to enrollment into the program
The maximum reimbursements for inpatient and outpatient cancer treatments are based on available funds and the numbers of currently enrolled patients
Acceptance of applications and continued reimbursements for services are based on the availability of state funds
How do I apply?
Patients must make application through the participating Georgia Cancer State Aid facility from which treatment is being received. Designated staff at participating facilities will assist patients in completion and submission of applications. Final eligibility decisions are made by the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program. For more information, call the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program at 404-463-5111.

2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 w www.dch.georgia.gov

September 2010