How to Apply for Assistance

The PURPOSE of the IBT Assistance Program is to provide direct financial support for patients who are currently in treatment for breast cancer. In treatment is defined as pre-surgery treatments, breast surgery, per/post radiation, pre/post chemotherapy, surgery monthly rechecks. Funds may be used to help with financial needs not covered by insurance.

Availability

Patients must reside and receive treatment in designated Mid-Michigan counties: Eaton, Ingham, Clinton, Shiawassee, Gratiot, Saginaw, Ionia, Kent, Barry, Calhoun, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee, Montcalm, Jackson, Bay, Isabella, Mecosta and Midland.

Assistance is available to both men and women diagnosed with breast cancer through the It’s a Breast Thing Patient Assistance Program.

Policy

The policy is to guide the organization and its volunteers in processing requests from breast cancer applicants who have completed the application for assistance with It’s a Breast Thing.

1. The Assistance Program has the right to have “open and closed” periods. If there is a period where the program is closed, notification will be done on this page of the website. The website will serve as the official notice for the Patient Assistance Program.
2. Each applicant may apply once a year, up to two years total. The grant is given in the amount of $1000.00 per year, funds permitting. The committee reserves the right to distribute assistance amounts based on funds available at the time.

Requirements for Assistance

Income requirements are based on 4x the poverty level for your household income. (See the chart below to find out if you qualify.) 

1. Applicants must be  U.S. Citizens or in the U.S. legally.
2. Applicants must reside and receive treatment in designated Mid-Michigan counties: Eaton, Ingham, Clinton, Shiawassee, Gratiot, Saginaw, Ionia, Kent, Barry, Calhoun, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee, Montcalm, Jackson, Bay, Isabella, Mecosta and Midland.
3. All parts of the application must be completed in full, including the 4 required documents. Original signatures only. No faxed or copied physician signatures will be accepted. 

Items Need to Apply

1. Application Form.
2. Copy of your birth certificate or social security card.
3. Copy of Driver's License or State Identification Card showing current address.
4. Copy of page 1 of your current tax return.
1. Not working you must show proof of your household income. 
2. Receiving social security payments, you must attach proof of the amount. 
3. Receiving unemployment/medical disability, you must attach proof of the amount.
5. A letter from your physician, stating that you are currently in treatment for breast cancer on official letterhead and signed by your physician. The letter submitted must have an original signature, not a copy or faxed.

To Apply

1. Download and complete the Application Form.
2. Assemble the FOUR required documents listed above.
3. MAIL the Application and FOUR support documents to:
   
   It’s a Breast Thing (IBT)
   P.O. Box 743
   East Lansing, MI 48826
   
   
4. Applications will be processed in 30-45 days.
5. If approved for financial assistance, you will receive notice and a check will be mailed directly to you.

Important Facts about IBT

1. Applications CANNOT be processed or considered without all four documents submitted.
2. Policies and application criteria are reviewed periodically and amended accordingly.
3. IBT cannot accept applications from other organizations.You must submit the It’s a Breast Thing Application.
4. We cannot process applications completed in a language other than English.
5. A member from IBT will contact you if there are any questions about your application.
6. Applications will be processed in 30-45 days.
7. Applicants may apply once a year. Applicants who continue to be in treatment may apply for a second grant in a different calendar year.

IBT Disclosures

It’s a Breast Thing, Non Profit has the right to make changes to the application process at any time. Changes will be posted on the website.

Physicians offices or Social Workers with questions about our Assistance Program, please contact us first before having patients apply. 

It’s a Breast Thing, Non Profit (IBT) is compliant with all HIPAA patient privacy requirements.

The Assistance Program has the right to have “open and closed” periods. If there is a period where the program is closed, notification will be done on this page of the website, The website will serve as the official notice for the Patient Assistance Program.

In order for It’s a Breast Thing, Non Profit (IBT) to help as many women and men diagnosed with breast cancer the following items will be limited or capped.

1. Lifetime financial assistance will not exceed $2000.00
2. Annual Assistance is a capped at $1000.00

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