25 Feb HealthWell Foundation: Bridging the Financial Gap for Cancer Patients’ Behavioral Health Needs
February 25, 2025
Triage Cancer is proud to collaborate with organizations serving individuals diagnosed with cancer and caregivers. This blog post is from our organizational partner, HealthWell Foundation .
HealthWell Foundation: Bridging the Financial Gap for Cancer Patients' Behavioral Health Needs
For many cancer patients, managing the physical toll of treatment is just one part of the journey. Another is managing the mental toll. The emotional and psychological challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, making access to behavioral health support crucial. However, the cost of these services often creates an additional barrier for underinsured patients and their caregivers.
The HealthWell Foundation is more than just a charitable patient assistance program—it’s a lifeline for those struggling to afford critical medical care. As a nationally recognized non-profit, HealthWell has served as a financial lifeline to over 1.1 million underinsured individuals across more than 90 disease areas. For over 20 years, HealthWell’s mission has been simple but powerful: to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases, so patients can focus on what truly matters—their health and well-being. Through more than 1.8 million grants, HealthWell has provided over $4.8 billion in assistance, giving hope and relief to those who need it most.
Expanding Access to Cancer Care and Behavioral Health Services
HealthWell has long prioritized supporting cancer patients, offering assistance across more than 40 oncology funds, including funds to assist patients living with multiple myeloma, breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $2.4 billion in medication copayment and insurance premium assistance to more than 399,000 oncology patients through more than 595,000 grants.
Recognizing the integral role mental health plays in overall well-being and recovery, HealthWell has also taken significant steps to address the unmet behavioral health needs of oncology patients and caregivers. For many, the financial burden associated with accessing counseling, therapy, or psychiatric care makes these critical services unattainable.
Cancer Home Care Services Fund: Supporting Patients at Home
To further support cancer patients, HealthWell recently introduced the Cancer Home Care Services Fund, providing financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs related to home health services and durable medical equipment (DME). This fund offers a one-time, 12-month grant of up to $2,000 to help cover these essential services, ensuring patients can receive care in the comfort of their homes.
Eligible patients must have household incomes up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level and have an active or prior HealthWell oncology fund grant. Home care services and DME allow patients to maintain their independence while managing their condition at home, surrounded by loved ones. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Cancer Home C are Services Fund page.
Oncology Caregiver Behavioral Health Fund: A Commitment to Mental Health
HealthWell launched the Oncology Caregiver Behavioral Health Fund to address the emotional and mental health challenges faced by those caring for cancer patients. Providing financial assistance for behavioral health services acknowledges the critical role caregivers play and ensures they receive the support they need to continue their vital work.
The fund provides up to $2,000 in copayment assistance for prescription drugs, counseling services, psychotherapy, and transportation costs associated with managing behavioral health issues. To qualify, caregivers must be a family member providing care to a cancer patient with an active HealthWell grant and have an annual household income up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Oncology Caregiver Behavioral Health Fund page.
Stay Updated on HealthWell’s Oncology Funds
HealthWell is committed to expanding its oncology fund portfolio to meet the evolving needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. To learn more about eligibility requirements and application details, visit HealthWell’s Disease Funds page. For real-time updates for disease funds, sign up for Real-Time Fund Alerts to receive instant notifications via call, email or text.
Through initiatives like these, HealthWell remains committed to bridging the financial gap for cancer patients and caregivers, ensuring that cost never stands in the way of essential treatments and support services. Partnering with Triage Cancer helps HealthWell expand access to valuable resources, providing patients and their families with vital information, financial assistance, and comprehensive support.
About Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues . Through events , materials , and resources , Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.
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