For people who have a diagnosis of cancer, medication coverage can become quite costly. Especially for those who do not have insurance to cover the cost of lifesaving prescription medications. In addition to talking with your doctor or social worker about how to finance drug treatment, there are additional resources worth exploring:

• PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) maintains a directory of patient assistance programs for prescription drugs. Through these programs, PhRMA member companies supply free medicines to millions of eligible low-income patients. Call (800) 762-4636.

• Medicare's Web site offers information on public and private programs that offer discounted or free medication as well as Medicare health plans that include prescription coverage.

• Pharmaceutical manuafacturers discount cards offer substantial discounts on widely prescribed medications to Medicare enrollees who have no other prescription coverage. Lists of these programs are available at www.rxassist.org (click on drug discount cards) or www.needymeds.com.

• NeedyMeds.com is an information source designed to help those who can't afford their medication. They provide detailed and current information on patient assistance programs sponsored by major pharmaceutical manufacturers that provide free or reduced-cost medications to patients.They include information on the requirements for assistance.