Insurance and Financial Assistance

We know how difficult dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be. We want you to focus on your child's well-being rather than worry about how you will pay for your child's treatment.

Dana-Farber offers several services to help you and your family manage the financial side of cancer treatment. From creating bill payment schedules and estate planning advice to debt management and resource assistance, our team is here for you.

How we help

Our Financial Information Services staff is ready to guide you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about coverage, payment plans, or Medicaid applications, a financial counselor can help you sort through the details and steps needed to make your financial arrangements go smoothly. To make an appointment, call 617-632-3455.

For families of children with cancer

The stress of a child's cancer diagnosis is often intensified by financial burden. Many families find it difficult to meet basic expenses such as co-payments for their children's prescriptions, transportation costs, and meals during extended hospital stays.

Dana-Farber's Pediatric Resource Program provides resource assistance to eligible families whose children are currently receiving treatment in the Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center.

Understanding your insurance policy

Each insurance policy is different, and the amount of coverage for exams and procedures depends on your specific health plan, so it is important to read and understand your policy.

Some insurance companies require authorization before patients can receive treatment; others require paperwork, such as a Hospital Claim Form.

Since patients are fully responsible for all bills related to treatment, regardless of what their insurance policy covers, it is important for you to know these details to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

To find out the specifics of your policy, contact your insurance company (the phone number is usually on your insurance card). They should be able to tell you about in-network and out-of-network coverage for care at Dana-Farber and Boston Children's Hospital, as well as what your financial responsibility will be if you become a patient here.

Questions to ask your insurance company

Use these questions as a guide when you talk to your insurance company about your coverage options. Be sure to make note of the name of the person you spoke with and the date.

• What type of insurance plan do I have?
• Am I eligible to have a case manager?
• Are Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital in my network? If so,
• Does my insurance plan cover physician costs, as well as inpatient and outpatient hospital services?
  • What, if any, are my co-payments and deductibles?
  • What is my coverage for prescription medications?
  • If Dana-Farber or Boston Children's Hospital is not in my network, and I go out-of-network, what percentage of my bill will be paid by the insurance company?
   
• Before I see a doctor at Dana-Farber or Boston Children's Hospital, do I need a referral from my primary care physician, or will I need authorization from my insurance carrier?
• Will I be covered for any testing, pathology, or radiology charges that may be incurred as part of my initial consultation with a Dana-Farber doctor?
• Is the percentage of my bill paid by the insurance company based on "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) schedules or on the actual charges?
• Does my insurance plan offer any additional coverage through special networks for treating medical conditions such as cancer?
• Does my policy have an out-of-pocket maximum?
• If my out-of-pocket expenses reach a certain amount, will the insurance carrier ever reimburse at 100 percent? If so,
  • Does this mean that my claims will then be paid in full, or will I still be responsible for the difference between Dana-Farber's charges and UCR rates?
   
• If my referral or authorization is denied can I appeal the decision? Is there an expedited appeals process?

Billing Questions

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital work together to provide comprehensive care for children with cancer. In some cases, Brigham and Women's Hospital may provide radiation therapy. You should expect to receive bills from any institutions or doctors that provide care for your child.

If you have questions about a bill, first call the phone number listed on the bill. If you are unable to resolve the issue, please call one of the following numbers.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Customer Service
866-408-4669 

Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Customer Relations
617-355-3397
or
Patient Relations
617-355-7673 

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Billing Customer Service
617-724-1914
or
Radiation Oncology Billing
617-732-8434 

Paying for your child's care 

Como pagar por la atencion de su hijo/a