Financial Resources for Clinical Trial Participants
Clinical trials can come with real-world costs—travel, lodging, meals, time away from work, or unexpected expenses. While many trials cover certain costs directly, there are also national organizations that offer financial assistance, education, and support.
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Family Reach – Clinical Trial Access Fund
Website: familyreach.org/clinicaltrialaccess/
Family Reach operates one of the most comprehensive financial-assistance programs available for clinical trial participants. They provide support for travel, lodging, and meals for both patients and caregivers.
If you’re unsure where to start, this is a great first step.
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NMDP – Clinical Trials Search & Support
Website: ctsearchsupport.org
If you’re participating in a blood cancer or blood disorder trial, NMDP offers targeted financial assistance for: Air travel, ground transportation, hotels and accommodations, and caregiver support.
This resource is highly specialized and can be extremely helpful for transplant-related or hematologic trials.
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Triage Cancer
Website: https://triagecancer.org/
Triage Cancer provides free, expert information on the legal, financial, employment, and insurance issues that can arise after a cancer diagnosis.
This is a great resource for understanding the broader financial picture surrounding cancer treatment and trial participation.
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National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Managing Costs
Website: cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/paying
NCI offers a clear explanation of what clinical trials typically cost, what expenses may or may not be covered, and how insurance plays a role.
This is one of the more reliable guides for understanding the financial landscape of clinical trials.