Michigan Colorectal Cancer Control Program (MI CRCCP)

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older.

Other risk factors include having:

• inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;
• a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps; and/or
• a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include:

• a lack of regular physical activity;
• a diet low in fruit and vegetables;
• a low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats;
• overweight and obesity;
• alcohol consumption; and/or
• tobacco use.

Education

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention

• The American Cancer Society has information on Colorectal Cancer early detection and screening options – Colorectal Cancer Early Detection; Colorectal Cancer: Catching it Early; Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet; You Can Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer.
• American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable – Resources for patients and clinicians.
• American College of Gastroenterology – free brochures for when, why, and how to screen – 45 is the New 50!, Learn About Your Screening Options for Colorectal Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer: You Can Prevent It.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Colorectal Cancer Basics – free information with videos, print materials, and social media resources – Colorectal Cancer Communication Resources.
• Cheeky Charity – provides information on colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, how it affects different communities, and survivorship support.
• Colon Cancer Coalition – provides information on colon cancer along with a resource library with articles and educational videos.
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Prevention, Support & Research for Colorectal Cancer.
• F!GHT Colorectal Cancer – About Colorectal Cancer - Fight Colorectal Cancer.
• National Institutes of Health: Colorectal Cancer – Education on colorectal cancer including general information about the cancer, research findings, clinical trials, etc.

What if I am Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer?

• American Cancer Society – 24/7 Cancer Helpline 1-800-227-2345
• American Cancer Society – What to expect before, during, and after treatment – After a Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
• American Cancer Society – Why does cancer treatment cause financial hardship for many people? – Financial Hardship
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance – Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer: Treatments Overview
• Cancer Survivorship Resources - A list of national resources for cancer survivors including educational and financial resources.
• F!ght Colorectal Cancer – Understanding Your Diagnosis, Support Services

Financial Resources

Paying for Colorectal Cancer Screening

• Cologuard by Exact Sciences – For assistance in getting the cost of a Cologuard kit covered, call the Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870.
• Colonoscopy Assist Program (Low-Cost Colonoscopies in Michigan) - A program that helps uninsured or underinsured individuals obtain a colonoscopy screening at a discounted rate.
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) Patient Navigator Program - Navigation assistance for patients and families at all stages of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. The CCA is collaborating with partners nationally to provide assistance to clients requiring CRC screening.

Insurance Resources

• Government benefit finder tool: disability – This tool helps find federal benefits for patients with a disability or qualifying illness (cancer)
• Health Insurance Marketplace – Health Insurance coverage website
• MI Bridges – Certified Application Counselors assist individuals and families with health insurance including enrolling in health plans offered in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, MI Child and the Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid Expansion).

Healthcare System Resources

• Bronson - Financial Assistance Application – financial assistance for Bronson patients who need or have already received emergency or medically necessary care but cannot afford to pay.
• Corewell Health – Financial assistance services including a local financial counselor – 844-838-3115.
• Henry Ford Health – Financial assistance eligibility criteria and contact information for Henry Ford Health, MSU Health Care, and Genesys Hospital and surgery sites in the Greater Flint area.
• McLaren Patient Financial Services – Provides financial assistance for medically necessary services for patients who indicate they have no other means of payment.
• Munson Healthcare – Financial assistance available. For help with the application, call 231-935-2350.
• MyMichigan Health – A collection of links to assist in applying for financial assistance, connecting with financial counselors, and managing debt collection.
• Road to Recovery –ACS program offering free rides to treatment for cancer patients participates with multiple health systems in Michigan. Call the ACS Helpline: Dial 1-800-227-2345 (available 24/7).
• Trinity Health Community Based Cancer Network – Southeast Michigan Cancer Network – Assistance with access to financial and cancer care navigation, clinical trials, and support services during and post-treatment.
• Trinity Health Michigan – Assistance is provided to low-income individuals and people with special health care expenses who live in a Trinity service area.
• UM Health-Sparrow – Patients having services at a designated Rural Health site will fill out a separate application. Contact financial counseling for assistance at 833-227-7664.
• University of Michigan - Financial Assistance | University of Michigan Health.

Organizations and Search Engines

• Advocacy Connector (search for financial assistance near you)
• Angels of Hope – provides financial assistance to patients in active treatment with legally dependent minors in the home and proof of current or projected loss of income due to a cancer diagnosis.
• The Assistance Fund (TAF) – Provides financial assistance for copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses. – Patient Portal
• Cancer Care 2020 resource Guide for People with Cancer – Provides free, professional support services including counseling, support groups, financial assistance, workshops and publications for anyone affected by cancer.
• Cancer Care Financial Assistance – For limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs such as transportation, childcare, and oncology social workers – (800) 813-4673
• Cancer Care Co-Payment Assistance Foundation – Assists with copayments for prescribed treatments (chemo and targeted therapies). – (866) 552-6729
• Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) -  Assist with financial assistance and other support for patients and families.
• Cancer Resources for Michigan Communities – List of diverse and inclusive resource materials for priority communities in Michigan.
• Colon Cancer Coalition – Provides list of resources and support for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) Patient Navigator Program - Navigation assistance for patients and families at all stages of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. The CCA is collaborating with partners nationally to provide assistance to clients requiring CRC screening.
• Cost Plus Drugs – offers low-cost generic medications including cancer medications and supportive care drugs.
• Gilda’s Club Detroit Metro | Grand Rapids – Provides free social and emotional support, professionally led groups, and educational workshops for anyone impacted by cancer.
• Kindred Box – Distributes free ostomy supplies to military families in need and uninsured and underinsured ostomates with severe financial hardship.
• Meredith’s Miracles Colon Cancer Foundation – Financial grants for housing, utilities, car payments, and other basic expenses for adults aged 40 or younger.
• MDHHS Free or Low Cost Prescription Medication Resource List – List of free programs with discount prescription medication programs.
• Michigan Alliance for Families – Adult Services Agencies – A list for young adults with disabilities to assist in finding supports to transition to independent living.
• New Day Foundation – Provides financial support for everyday living expenses and emotional support.
• Patient Advocate Foundation – (800) 532-5274 - Assistance to clients with financial and medical access issues, arbitration, medication, medical debt, insurance access, and job retention. Includes a National Financial Resource Directory and the PAF Co-Pay Relief program.
• Patient Access Network Foundation - Eligible government-insured health coverage clients may apply for financial assistance for colorectal cancer treatment.
• Resources for Patient Navigators and Social Workers – This website assists in connecting people with cancer to helpful resources.
• Rx Advocates – Uninsured and cannot afford meds? – (844) 938-0693
• RxAssist – A free prescription savings card with a database to search prices by medication. 
• SCBN for uninsured American who cannot afford Meds – (888) 331-1002
• Triage Cancer – Provides free resources, education, and one-on-one navigation assistance to deal with financial legal, and practical burdens of medical conditions like cancer.
• YesRx – Michigan Cancer Drug Repository Network – Turns unused cancer medication into a second chance by connecting donated medication with patients in Michigan who need treatment but can’t afford or access it.

Other Financial Resources Not Based On Cancer Diagnosis

• Michigan 211 – a free and confidential service that helps MI residents find the local resources they need. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. (enter your zip code for services in your area) – Search by County | Service Needed
• National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up – A free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA) that assists adults over 55 with help to pay for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs.