Previous Story
Anti-cancer group hands out 278 vouchers in 2014
The Commonwealth Cancer Association was able to issue 278 vouchers for their client assistance program last year. These vouchers amount to up to $500 per year for eligible clients.
According to CCA program manager Juan L. Babauta, 81 clients were given the vouchers last year. Cients could receive more than one voucher as long as it doesn’t exceed the $500 cap.
For example, if a client’s physician recommends the use of a wheelchair, the client may get the wheelchair through CCA using the voucher and if the voucher amount is not enough, another would be issued but the total cannot exceed the $500 cap.
Before a client could avail of the services that CCA provides, the client has to register with CCA and fill up a “Request for Client Assistance” form, together with the prescription provided by a qualified physician.
“It is only eligible for those in the CNMI and are cancer patients,” Babauta said.
The vouchers could be used for nutritional, therapeutic, or medical supplies, including short-term rental of medical equipment, mattresses, beds, and other services that CCA can provide.
Babauta said the voucher system does not provide for medication unless the person with cancer is medically determined to be at the end of life.
“We provide the vouchers for assistance only and the money stays here in CCA, and if we approve the client, the clients can be provided with the assistance based on approved prescriptions for supplies from approved vendors or purchased online for delivery directly to the client,” he said.
Babauta said their clients increased from 47 to 81 last year, with the addition of 31 new ones.
Compared to 2013, though, the total number of clients decreased from 294 to 278.
