"Some practices take the approach of developing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to directly support patients with costs and other social needs. While building a network of collaboration between community and healthcare providers is an important strategy, creating a foundation can help to fill the gaps left by these services, particularly in areas with few existing community and hospital based resources.

"New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants (NMOHC) created the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation 17 years ago to help patients with the non-medical costs of having cancer. Since 2002, the foundation has distributed over $1 million by paying patients' bills – including rent, groceries, utilities, gas and anything else they might need. In order to ensure money spent has the maximum impact, the NMCC Foundation considers itself a last resort, and requires patients to provide copies of bills and a one-page financial summary. NMOHC CEO Dr. Barbara McAneny considers having a community board leading the foundation to be one of the key elements of its success and ability to survive for nearly two decades."