What Should I Do First?
Insurance and Financial Information
We understand that dealing with insurance companies and policies, and other financial issues, can cause additional stress. We will provide you with a brochure called "Paying for your Child's Treatment," also available in Spanish, that will answer many of your questions and provide resources. In addition, financial resource specialists at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are available to walk you through this process so you can focus on your child, your most important concern at this time.
Understanding your Coverage
The most important financial step you should take is calling your insurance company. (The phone number is on the back of your health insurance card.) When you call, ask to speak with Member Services to request a case manager. Make sure to obtain the following information:
- inpatient coverage
- prescription coverage
- co-payments
- homecare benefits
If you don't have insurance, call a Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care (DF/CHCC) resource specialist at (617) 632-3365 or (617) 632-6842.
Clinical trial coverage
Coverage for clinical trials varies by insurance company and your state of residence. If you are considering enrolling your child in a clinical trial, please contact a financial counselor at Dana-Farber or Children's.
International patients
If you are from a country other than the United States, please call Children's International Office at (617) 355-5776 or e-mail international.center@childrens.harvard.edu to schedule all inpatient and outpatient appointments.
Financial assistance
If you do not have insurance, or if you need financial assistance, call (617) 355-7201.
Billing Questions
Dana-Farber and Children's work together to provide comprehensive care for children with cancer. In some cases, Brigham and Women's Hospital will assist in providing radiation therapy. You should expect to receive bills from each institution providing care for your child.
If your child is seen by another physician from a department other than oncology at Children's, you will receive a separate bill for those services as well.
For questions about patient billing, call (617) 355-7114.
Additional Resources
DF/CHCC provides several resources to assist you in applying for insurance coverage.
For assistance in applying for MassHealth as your child's primary or supplementary insurance coverage, please contact one of the following financial counselors:
Children's Hospital Boston
300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA
PCC Offices, First Floor, Farley Building
(617) 355-5289
(Español: 617-355-5276)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street, Boston, MA
Just off the First Floor Main Lobby
(617) 632-5120 or (617) 632-5121
Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care Resource Specialists
(617) 632-3365 or (617) 632-6842
Children's Hospital Boston International Center
300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA
Pavilion Building, Room 119
(617) 355-5209
Brigham and Women's Billing Customer Service
(617) 732-8434
Radiation Oncology Billing
(617) 732-8434
(617) 632-8059
