Explofinances

CBCN does not have any programs that provide financial assistance or support to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We provide support through our FinancialNavigator digital navigation tool. FinancialNavigator is a database of local, provincial, and national financial assistance programs across Canada. These programs provide a variety of financial support, including drug coverage and income supplement. These programs are not managed by CBCN. The contact information and how to apply to get support are listed on each program’s page.

FinancialNavigator also offers information on how to plan and prepare for the impacts of a cancer diagnosis under the Financial Support Resources.

MedSearch is CBCN’s digital navigation tool that can help you find the information you need about breast cancer drugs. It provides details on breast cancer drugs that are approved for sale in Canada. This information includes who the drug is for, which provinces or territories publicly fund it, and where it is in the drug approval process.

Access MedSearch here.

There is no standard funding approach for genetic or genomic testing. Funding depends on which test you need, and where you live. 

The first step is to speak to your healthcare provider to confirm that the test you are interested in is appropriate for your care. They can guide you on which tests are appropriate for you, and how the test is funded in your area. If you need a test that is not funded, consider reaching out to your private insurance.

If you need a specific test to see whether you are eligible for a new treatment, consider reaching out to the drug manufacturer. In cases like this, they may have funding available to access testing.

Click here to read A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Precision Oncology in Canada, our toolkit on precision oncology testing for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

There are several options you can consider for supplemental financial support for drug coverage. You may be eligible for federal or provincial special access programs. Learn more about the federal program here.

You can also reach out to the drug manufacturer to see whether the treatment has a patient support program (PSP).

Ask your private insurance whether they cover the cost of treatment, or consider whether out-of-pocket payment is an option for you.

To find coverage for a breast cancer treatment using FinancialNavigator, select the ‘Drug coverage’ option in the Category section here.

A breast cancer diagnosis can make significant impact to your finances. Know that you are not alone if you are facing financial challenges due to your diagnosis. The first step to take is to speak to your healthcare provider about the challenges you are facing. They may be able to prescribe you a treatment that is covered where you live, or point you to appropriate support resources, such as a Drug Access Navigator.

A Drug Access Navigator (DAN) is a healthcare employee who works alongside an oncology team. DANs co-ordinate and investigate potential sources of funding and financial support for prescribed cancer drugs. You can learn more about DANs here.

Some provinces have a dedicated organization of DANs that serve people who live in that province:

• ODANO is the Oncology Drug Access Navigators of Ontario. You can visit ODANO’s website here.
• The Atlantic Canada Oncology Drug Access Navigators Association (ACODANO) serves people living in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. You can visit ACODANO’s website here.

If your province or territory does not have a dedicated organization or association of DANs, you might still be able to use the services of a DAN. Speak to your healthcare team, cancer center, or hospital to see what is available for you.

You can also use FinancialNavigator to find financial support programs to pay in part or whole for your treatment. To find coverage for a breast cancer treatment using FinancialNavigator, select the ‘Drug coverage’ option in the Category section here.

To speak to someone on how to get involved with advocacy on the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, reach out to the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. You can email us at cbcn@cbcn.ca or call us at 613-230-3044 (toll-free: 1-800-685-8820). You can also consider joining a support group to learn from others who might be facing a similar situation. You can learn more about support groups for early-stage breast cancer here and support groups for metastatic breast cancer here.

If you are a temporary resident in Canada, your eligibility for provincial health insurance will depend on the type of permit you have. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for provincial coverage, check with your provincial service office. They can determine your eligibility for provincial health insurance.

If you are not eligible for provincial health insurance, you can use travelers’ insurance, private insurance, school insurance or out of pocket payments to cover the cost of payments.

You may also be eligible for patient support programs. You can learn more about patient support programs here.

You might be able to access a treatment that is not available for sale in Canada through the Special Access Program (SAP). Your healthcare provider will need to submit a request if you meet certain criteria.

Learn more about SAP and how to apply here.

Most people diagnosed with breast cancer travel frequently for appointments and treatment. This travel could be between their home and the cancer centre, or to other locations like specialists’ offices, radiation therapy treatment centres, diagnostic centres and more. Some of this travel might be local and involve a short car drive, while other travel could require a flight.

To find financial support for travelling using FinancialNavigator, select the ‘Travel assistance’ option in the Category section here.

You can also visit the Canadian Cancer Society’s website here to find support for cancer travel available in your province or territory.

A patient support program (PSP) is a program or service that helps patients access, understand, and manage their breast cancer treatment. PSPs vary in the type of support they provide and how long the support is provided. For example, some PSPs provide breast cancer drugs free of charge to those with a prescription. Other PSPs may provide emotional support for patients using the drug.

PSPs are usually provided by the drug manufacturer, but they can also be provided by non-profits, healthcare organizations and other similar service providers. PSPs are sometimes called patient assistance programs.

To find patient support programs using FinancialNavigator, select the ‘Drug coverage’ option in the Category section here.

Our MedSearch tool provides information about which breast cancer drugs have an associated PSP. Check out the ‘Therapy patient support program’ section of a treatment to learn more.

Paying for breast cancer drugs through private insurance can be an option, but it depends on several factors. The main factors are whether the drug is listed on the insurance company’s formulary, whether your specific plan covers the drug, and what your specific plan covers (full coverage versus co-pay). Even if you cannot use your private insurance to pay for drugs, there might be other costs that your private insurance can pay for, whether fully or in part.

Learn about the different types of health insurance and benefits here.

If you have private insurance, the best way to find out whether it will cover the cost of your treatment is by contacting your insurance provider. Learn more about checking your insurance coverage here.

Learn about making an insurance claim here. If your insurance claim is denied, you can appeal the claim. Find more information about the insurance appeal process and OmbudService here.

Connect with us via email at cbcn@cbcn.ca or call us at 613-230-3044 (toll-free: 1-800-685-8820).

You can use our feedback form to share your thoughts on FinancialNavigator.

Feedback from our community on our resources helps us ensure that our resources serve those it was developed for. This feedback is invaluable in improving the quality and effectiveness of patient resources, ultimately enhancing the patient experience and empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions.

You can also call us at 613-230-3044 (toll-free: 1-800-685-8820).