Travel expenses for medical care to see a distant MPD expert

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http://www.mpdsupport.org GETTING there and back - WHO CAN HELP In most trials, the drugs and treatments being investigated are provided at no cost to the trial participant. Routine costs accrued during a trial are often covered by insurance and/or Medicare if the trial meets certain criteria. Contact your insurance provider and discuss their coverage policies. Many institutions help with some of the expenses, but most people still are responsible for some expenses. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides free travel for those participating in NCI clinical trials in Bethesda, Maryland.
Discounts from major airlines and non-profit air transportation organizations provide needed assistance.
. Angel Flight 877-621-7177 www.angelflight.org A national network of close to 4,500 pilots who, at their own expense, provide their aircraft for people who cannot afford transportation. There is usually space for one companion.
. Corporate Angel Network (CAN) 866-328-1313 www.corpangelnetwork.org CAN matches cancer patients and bone marrow donors with space available on corporate flights, arranging about 140 flights per month. About 500 corporations participate. "The corporations fax or e-mail us their flight schedules on a regular basis, and the volunteers input that information into a secure database. Patient needs are entered as they come in, and we try to find a match." "In our 21-year history, we've been able to arrange more than 15,000 flights for cancer patients...." Patients must be traveling for treatment, consultation, or checkup to a recognized cancer treatment center. And, they must be mobile enough to walk up the steps of a private jet. There is space for one companion, but an exception may be made for young children who are accompanied by both parents.
. The National Patient Travel Helpline 800-296-1217 Finds free or discounted air travel for those with a medical and financial need. This referral source operates 24 hours, seven days a week. Operators obtain basic information regarding callers medical condition, ability to travel, destination, and travel dates. "The helpline provides people with a one-stop call," says Theresa Dorr'e, administrator with Mercy Medical Airlift, the parent organization. They also locate tickets from various airlines that offer discounts on travel for medical purposes.
. AirUfeLine 877-727-7728 www.airlifeline.org A nationwide network of more than 1,400 volunteer pilots who fly patients to receive medical treatment and participate in clinical trials. With an estimated 4,000 flights annually, they help patients in need, says Ginger Buxa, outreach manager.
. National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses 800-542-9730 www.nahhh.org Provides information on accommodations for patients through more than 150 organizations nationwide. Patients tell the operator in which city they need lodging and are told what is available in terms of housing organizations in that area. The patient must then call the local organization to see if they fit the criteria because each house has its o

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