Getting the best care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home. This can place an extra emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers during an already challenging time. The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, with grant support from the American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, is trying to make this difficult situation easier for cancer patients and their families through its lodging programs.
Lodging expenses can present a significant financial barrier to receiving lifesaving treatment, and financial barriers are known to contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. In a cooperative effort with area hotels, the Cancer Support Community provides overnight accommodations to cancer patients, their caregivers and families who must travel for treatment and need assistance with lodging.
APPLICATION & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to receive lodging assistance, patients or caregivers must:
– Be traveling for a cancer-related medical appointments, treatments or procedures in the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor’s service area
– Have a primary residence over 30 miles from their treatment center
– Have a permanent residence
– Have a household income at or below 400% of poverty as defined by the current federal poverty level
All required application materials must be submitted online or by downloading the form and email to lodging@cancersupportannarbor.org. If you do not have access to a scanner, you can attach clear photos of documentation.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
– Applications will be reviewed within two business days of submission of the completed application.
– Participating hotels provide rooms on a space-available basis.
– Lodging applications and requests must be made in advance of the date the lodging is needed.
– Patients who require specialized sterilized environments or medical assistance cannot be accepted.
– Special accommodations such as pets are accepted but are subject to limited availability.
– When approved, lodging expenses only are covered. Additional hotel-related charges (meals, phone calls, etc.) are the responsibility of each guest. A credit card is required at check-in.
Questions? Email: lodging@cancersupportannarbor.org.
