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QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.

Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.

Practical and Financial Support for Cancer Patients

Cancer can affect your financial well-being.  There are programs that may be able to help you if you are experiencing difficulties. The NSH Cancer Care Program has a series of helpful patient information sheets that cover a wide range of practical and financial concerns cancer patients may experience.  Topics include financial concerns and resources; medication coverage and frequently asked questions; getting to treatment and where to stay.  The links to these pamphlets are below. As well, we have listed a number of links to commonly accessed websites which you may find useful.

Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy (BTO) Program

If you require assistance with transportation costs or accommodations while travelling to appointments and/or treatment related to your cancer, you may be eligible for support through various programs including the NS Government BTO Program.  The BTO Frequently Asked Questions document will provide you with more information and you can also contact the social worker or cancer patient navigator in your area for help.  The number to call the BTO program directly is 1-800-563-8880.

Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund

The Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund offers short-term financial assistance to cover some costs of travelling to cancer treatments. This includes expenses like fuel and taxi or public transit fares. It is available to people with a low income who are currently receiving cancer treatment. To learn more please link to Transportation | Canadian Cancer Society.

Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients

Drug Access Navigators (DAN) are members of the cancer care team who specialize in drug coverage and drug access. They can help ensure patients get the best coverage possible. They are available in all parts of the province.  Any member of the health care team can refer a patient to a DAN. We have listed below pamphlets which you might find helpful:

Patient Education Resources

Financial Matters

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For some people, being sick has a big impact on their finances. Knowing your options and understanding how they work can help. This pamphlet explains what Short Term Illness (STI) and Long Term Disability (LTD) are, whether you can get help from Employment Insurance (EI), and more.

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Medicine Coverage

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Many people worry about how much they will have to pay for their cancer medications. This pamphlet explains what support is available if you do not have an insurance plan. It explains how to find out if your insurance plan or the Nova Scotia Pharmacare plan will cover your medications. Other topics include what you can do if your medications are not covered, and what to do if you are still having trouble getting your medications.

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The Take-Home Cancer Drug Fund

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The Take Home Cancer Drug Fund is provided by the Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program to help patients who have very high costs for their take home cancer drugs. This guide details how the fund works including what drugs are covered, who qualifies, and how you can benefit.

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Getting to Treatment

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Getting between home and cancer treatment can be hard. This pamphlet explains where you can get help if you need help getting to cancer treatment, what to do if you need accessible transportation, and other resources.

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Accessing Primary Care

There are many ways to access primary care, even if you're not currently attached to a primary care provider.

Answer a few quick questions to receive personalized instructions for accessing Nova Scotia Health's primary care options near you including in-person, virtual and telephone options.

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Find Emergency Care

Use this tool to identify the emergency care options that are currently available nearest to you.

If this is a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance

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YourHealthNS App

Much of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.

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