Eligibility by Virtue of the Laws - Cancer

Oncology patients are exempt from paying copayment for medical services related to their disease: payments for doctors’ appointments, appointments at institutes and outpatient clinics. To obtain the exemption, please contact the Meuhedet clinic and present a confirmation of illness from the family doctor or from doctor at the hospital.

 Primary care physician - the family doctor: At Meuhedet, the family doctor is the one who compiles all the information that has accumulated about the patients’ medical condition. After being discharge from hospital, it is important to bring the letter discharge to the family doctor to ensure continuity of care. In addition to the doctor's therapeutic role, he/she can also advise the patient and mediate the communications between the latter and the various practitioners and institutes within and outside of Meuhedet. It is advisable to update the family doctor about your current medical condition and share any dilemmas with him/her.

The nursing staff: the nursing staff at Meuhedet is qualified and set-up to accompany oncology patients and their families. The nurses provide a comprehensive response to the patients’ needs and involve other health practitioners. They practice a holistic therapeutic approach and consider the patient's physical, mental and spiritual needs. The nurses empower patients with knowledge, instruction, guidance and advice, explain the treatments and the disease's adverse effects, improve and promote the patients treatment while creating a professional and respectful therapeutic environment.

Urgent cases: In urgent cases, at nights, on weekends and holidays, you may contact a medical emergency center operating out of a clinic or in your area of residence. The visit is subject to a fee. To find out where the closest medical emergency center is, contact the call center at: 1-222-3833, *3833.

A patient requiring urgent medical attention when Meuhedet clinics are closed, can schedule a doctor’s house call via the Bikor Rofeh call center at *6101, or via Natali at *9101. The call center is open between 07:00 - 19:00, and the house call will take place within two hours of being booked. The patient will be charged with a copayment of NIS 140.

A member who is in urgent need of a doctor's appointment and is unable to come to the Meuhedet clinic, can book a house call with a Meuhedet doctor. The service will be provided for a fee of NIS 86. Meuhedet C policyholders are eligible to book a doctor's house call at night, on weekends and holidays when Meuhedet clinics are closed, even if they are able to go to the emergency medical center. The service will be provided for a fee of NIS 32.

Ambulance rides: transportation by ambulance ending in hospitalization is paid for by Meuhedet. Transportation by ambulance which does not end in hospitalization is paid for by the insured. Meuhedet Adif clients will receive a refund of 50% of the Magen David Adom tariff. Refunds are conditional upon submission of receipts to Meuhedet.

Emergency room visits: an oncological patient who visits the emergency room during an emergency related to his/her illness shall not bear the cost of the emergency room fee. Payment arrangements are made via the patient's clinic.

Hospitalizations: when hospitalization is required, a financial undertaking form is issued on behalf of Meuhedet to cover the required medical expenses due to hospitalization (subject to the provisions of the National Health Insurance Law). It is important to keep in mind that alongside the medical treatment, the patient can also take advantage of the hospital's multi-professional staff. Meuhedet’s staff has a working relationship with the nursing staff and the social work services at the hospitals, to ensure continuation of care from the hospital to the community.

Home Hospitalization: oncology patients who are confined to their home are eligible for services from the home hospitalization unit that includes: a doctor, a nurse, a social worker, a clinical dietitian and a physiotherapist. The service includes medical and paramedical treatment and follow up, according to the patient’s condition and the basket of medical services prescribed by law. Contact the family doctor to receivetreatment by the unit.

A terminal patient who is at home and in need of a psychologist, social worker, nurse or clinical doctor, is eligible to receive these services via the home hospitalization unit. Home care allows the patient to return to his/her natural environment and thus contributes to his/her healing process. The companies working with Meuhedet instruct the patient and his/her family regarding the administration intravenous antibiotics, chemotherapy, pain relief, PCA and additional medicinal therapies at home. The administration of intravenous infusion therapy at home requires the approval of a medical officer at Meuhedet.

Social workers: social workers at Meuhedet provide psychological support, accompany the patient and provide guidance, while listening to and addressing the patient's difficulties and distress. Contact the nearest Meuhedet clinic or the call center for an appointment with a social worker.

 Psychological treatment: the treatment includes conversations with the patient, on his/her own or with family members. If necessary, the patient is given a referral for medicinal treatment. Coping with cancer can cause extreme mental stress. It is important to realize that one's metal state has a big impact on one's body in general, and particularly on coping with cancer and on the chances of recovery. More often than not, the detection of the disease induces a crisis, anxiety and depression. Psychological treatment helps the patient to find the strength to cope with the mental stress as well as better cope with the physical challenges posed by the treatment. Psychological treatment can be executed in a variety of methods and approaches.

 Nutrition and diet: The dietitians are qualified and experienced in providing nutritional support for oncology patients throughout and after the various treatments, by tailor fitting a personal diet and using designated medical food when necessary.

 Complementary medicine: Meuhedet Adif clients are eligible for a 25%-40% discount from the accepted rate at Meuhedet clinics for complementary medicine. Clients are eligible for up to 36 treatments a year, as determined by the sorting physician at the clinic. Meuhedet C clients are eligible for an additional 18 treatments at a 40% discount from the Meuhedet’s price list.

Oncogenetic testing: oncogenetic tests require special approval from the Meuhedet Medicine department. The approval is stipulated upon defined medical indications and limited to situations in which healthy members are at a high level of risk (a risk of at least 25% to contract the disease): when a first degree family member has breast cancer or ovarian cancer and has been identified as a carrier of a known mutation in one of theBRCA1 orBRCA2 genes.
Meuhedet C clients are eligible for a one-time test for the detection of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colon cancer genes, even if they do not meet these criteria. The test will be preformed at public hospitals or at an institute affiliated with the Meuhedet for a copayment of NIS 234 for every test.

Medicine: oncology patients are exempt from paying for designated medicines used to treat oncological diseases and included in medicine basket. Oncology patients are not exempt from payment for medicines used for treating the adverse affects, and are required to pay a copayment up to the monthly ceiling for chronic patients as specified in the copayment and exemptions table (link). Attach the original receipts when applying for reimbursement.

 Travel: Meuhedet reimburses the travel expenses of oncology patients to and from treatment, as follows: 

Public transport: The full cost to and fro upon presentation of public transport tickets.

Taxi or ambulance: Reimbursement of 50% upon presentation of the original receipts.

Private vehicles: Reimbursement according to the cost of public transport. In this case, the client bears the burden of proof regarding the level of expenditure.

 Medical equipment and medical and paramedical treatments:

Breast prostheses: are provided at the expense of the Ministry of Health. When not covered by the Ministry of Health, Meuhedet Adif clients receive a 50% reimbursement as specified in the Meuhedet Adif regulations (link).

Lymphatic drainage therapy: Meuhedet participates in the funding of up to 30 treatments per year.

Voice Prosthesis:  every patient who has undergone a complete throatectomy following malignancies, is eligible for coverage of the implant and replacement of voice prostheses.

Electronic speech devices: patients who have undergone a complete throatectomy are eligible for full reimbursement by Meuhedet for electronic speech devices.

Voice therapy: every patient to have undergone surgery is entitled to twenty treatments over the course of the two years following the surgery. The attending physician can approve ten additional treatments per year.

Pressure suit (JOBST): is designed for pressure dressing. Meuhedet participates in the cost of purchasing pressure suit or part thereof. The client’s copayment is 40% of the cost of the pressure suit. The treatment is performed at Meuhedet occupational therapy institutes and at hospitals with referrals from Meuhedet.

Hospice care: is free of charge, at recognized hospices under contract with Meuhedet. With the approval of a managing doctor, home hospice is possible. More about cancer.

Port a-Cath (an intravenous device for the intravenous infusion of medicines): when the surgical procedure is performed in a public hospital - the device is paid for by Meuhedet. When the surgical procedure is performed at a private hospital on Meuhedet Adif clients - the device is paid for by Meuhedet subject to prior approval by the medical department.

One-time consultation for swallowing disorders: available to any patient, with the approval of the district doctor. 

Stoma bags, penrose and other perishable equipment: with the full participation of the Meuhedet.

Food substitutes: oncology patients are eligible to a 25% discount on the purchase of Vivonex (Tolorex, Osmolite) directly from Neopharm.

Artificial wigs - Meuhedet Adif clients are reimbursed with 50% of the cost, as specified in the regulations (link to the Meuhedet Adif regulations). Wigs can be purchased from vendors under contract with Meuhedet. The list of vendors is available at Meuhedet clinics.

Travel expenses for treatments: Meuhedet participates in half of the accommodation expenses of oncology patients and their escorts

(if the patient is under the age of 16), who do not live in area of the hospital or the oncology institute where the treatment is taking place. This eligibility is valid for accommodation at one of the following establishments: Tel Aviv Haktana, in Tel Aviv, the Charles Clore Home in Givatayim, and Neve Amit in Motza.

Home care unit: patients confined to their homes can take advantage of the services of the home care units, which include doctors, nurses and social workers. As necessary, practitioners from other fields (physiotherapists, dietitians) join the units.

Dentistry: oncology patients are entitled to dental treatments prior to chemotherapy or radiation on the head and neck area, for a copayment of half of the cost of the treatment according to the rates at the Meuhedet dental clinics. After chemotherapy or radiation, Meuhedet provides coverage for preservative and rehabilitative dental treatment according to the Meuhedet dental clinic rates and based on a treatment program approved in advance by a professional authority at Meuhedet, for a period of 24 months after the end of treatment.

Breast cancer: women diagnosed with breast cancer are eligible, as part of the health basket, to a breast biopsy, mastectomy following a tumor or lumpectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction. Meuhedet Adif clients are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% (up to a ceiling of $750) for an external breast prosthesis. The eligibility is for half of the cost after receipt of the reimbursement from the Ministry of Health (link to rights at the Ministry of Health below).

 Physiotherapy: Meuhedet clients are eligible for physiotherapy at Meuhedet institutes or at private institutes that have a therapeutic agreement with Meuhedet, based on the recommendations of the Meuhedet doctor. The therapy is provided without a fee. Lymphatic drainage physiotherapy is intended for cases of swelling and edema in the lymphatic system following failure of the lymphatic system after surgery or plastic surgery. The treatment includes techniques such as massage and pressure dressing, adapting equipment for the permanent dressing of the treated organ, instruction and guidance for daily activities, personal hygiene and exercises to be performed by the patient.

The treatments are provided at Meuhedet institutes or by independent suppliers who work with Meuhedet. The pressure sleeve and special bandages will be purchased for a copayment (a 60% reimbursement as part of the basic health basket, an 85% reimbursement as part of Meuhedet Adif).

 Meuhedet nursing policyholders

Oncology patients insured by Meuhedet Nursing, whose health prevents them from functioning independently in three out of the six daily functions (dressing, bathing, eating, getting up, continence and mobility), who need help from others in their home, in a relative’s home or at a nursing institute - are eligible to file for an evaluation of the need to realize their eligibility. The period of eligibility is a five year period after a 60 day wait.

Rights in the community
National Insurance

Oncology patients will be able to file a claim for a disability allowance, if they have stopped working following the treatments (and have exhausted their sick days), or if their wages have decreased by at least 50%. the allowance is provided after an income evaluation, carried out by the National Insurance Institute, at a rate determined by the criteria set forth in the law.

Allowance for special services: The allowance is intended for oncology patients with limited daily function, who need the help of others in performing actions such as: dressing, eating, bathing and mobility. The allowance is granted after an income evaluation and a medical examination carried out by the National Insurance Institute, at a rate determined by the criteria set forth in the law.

Mobility allowance: is granted to patients with limited mobility by virtue of the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the National Insurance Institute. Residents of Israel between the ages of 3 to 65, who were granted percentages of disability in mobility by the Ministry of Health Committee, following defects in their legs are eligible for the allowance.

Disabled child allowance: children, residents of Israel, aged 90 days to 18 years old in need of special medical treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and children of insured persons are eligible for the allowance.

Nursing allowance: elderly oncology patients who live at home and experience difficulty in performing daily activities (such as mobility, dressing, bathing, eating and continence) are eligible to request nursing services. This basket of services includes at the elderly person's choice: housekeeping services, diapers, club, distress button, hot meals and laundry services. The assistance is determined and provided after an income evaluation carried out by the National Insurance Institute, and after a house visit.
Important: the referral issued by the Israeli Cancer Association must be attached to the claim forms. The referral allows patients who did not appear in front of the Medical Committee of the National Insurance Institute when applying for recognition for his/her eligibility for the allowance. The forms are available from the Israeli Cancer Association, the social workers at the oncology departments of the various hospitals and the Meuhedet social work services.

Ministry of Health

Kol Habriut - the Ministry of Health's call center 08-6241010, *5400

The Ministry of Health provides devices and accessories with the copayment of the insured person in accordance with the Ministry's procedures, including motorized wheel chairs, mattresses for the prevention of pressure sores, wheel chairs, breast prostheses and more. Additional information can be found here (link to the Ministry of Health website “Auxiliary Accessories and mobility”).

 The Israel Cancer Association
The Israel Cancer Association aids in the development and financing of medical services at hospitals and in the community and grants initial material assistance to oncology patients in financial distress. The application for assistance, which is submitted by the social worker from Meuhedet or the hospital, is sent to the association's center to be approved by the district social workers. If approved, assistance is granted on a one-time only basis.

Important telephone numbers:

The Association operates phone lines for the provision of information and support for patients and their families: 03-5719676

Information line: 1-800-599-995

Support line: 1-800-200-444

Reach to recovery - for woman facing breast cancer - 1-800-360-707

Information line in Russian: 1-800-343-344

Information line in Arabic: 1-800-363-655

Organization for Stoma Patients in Israel - 03-5721618 , 03-5721616

Sexual consultation - provided free of charge and without the need for a doctor's referral - 03-5721618

Tax consultancy - provided voluntarily and free of charge for those whose percentage of disability has already been determined by the National Insurance Institute and only in regards to tax matters stemming from the disease. Via the  1-800-599-995 information line.

The Strong Together Support Center - provides a variety of activities free of charge, which are supplemental to the treatment provided by the healthcare system, that help the patients and their families cope with the disease mentally. 03-5721630 (Center), 04-8511715 (Haifa), 04-6591004 (Afula), 
02-6233599 (Jerusalem), 08-6271228 (South)

One in nine

The organization helps women facing breast cancer through individual, group and family support services provided by professional practitioners. Support and guidance by volunteers who have recovered from breast cancer and legal advice free of charge.
Website: www.onein9.org.il. Tel.: 1-800-363-400

Ministry of Finance
The Income-Tax Commission - tax exemption: oncology patients with taxable income are eligible to apply for exemption from income tax. The application for exemption must be filed with the tax assessor at the place of residence, along with the following documents, or with the Special Medical Services. The committee will determined the percentage of disability and thus save the cost of appealing to the Ministry of Finance's committee for the same:

·Confirmation of treatment from the department of oncology.

· Copy of the last payslip for salaried employees and a copy of the tax assessment for self-employed persons.

· As part of the evaluation of eligibility for exemption, the application will be sent to the Medical Committee at the National Insurance Institute for the purpose of determining the percentage of disability. The committee's decision will be sent to the tax assessor.

Important - a disability allowance and an income tax exemption shall not be granted simultaneously.

Credit points: one of the parents of a child up to the age of 18, who has cancer and is in treatment, is eligible to two credit points for a disabled child (a child up to the age of 18 is defined disabled only during the course of the treatments). The application for relief and tax adjustment is to be filed with the tax assessor on form 127.

 Ministry of Welfare
Most cities in Israel have departments for social services, which the patients and their families can turn to. The municipal call center will be able to provide you with the address of the welfare department closest to your place of residence.

Local authority - municipal rates

Oncology patients who receive a general disability allowance and have 75% or above inability to earn, are eligible for an 80% discount on municipal rates.

Oncology patients with an inability to earn rate of less than 75% and with a medical disability rate of 90% and above, are eligible for a 40% discount on municipal rates.

Parents of a sick child who receives a disabled child allowance, are eligible for a 25% discount on municipal rates.

Patients receiving an old-age pension or a survivor's pension, in addition to an income supplement allowance, are eligible for a full exemption from municipal rates (up to a maximum 100 sq. m of the apartment's area).

Recipients of old age pensions, who have an inability to earn rate of at least 75% (prior to the receipt of the pension) are eligible to an 80% discount on municipal rates.

Recipients of a nursing allowance, are eligible for a discount of 70% on the municipal rates.

To realize the discount, contact the municipal discounts department.

The Ministry of Transportation
Vehicle handicapped sticker: oncology patients are entitled to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for a vehicle handicapped sticker. Parking sticker applicants must send updated medical documents attesting to the treatments, a photocopy of the ID card, and driver and vehicle licenses.
Applications are to be sent to P.O. Box 72 Holon, postal code 58100. The applications will be handled within no more than 30 days and the sticker will be sent directly to the applicant's home. If the applicant does not own the vehicle, he/she must provide an affidavit signed by a lawyer stating that the vehicle is used by the applicant. If the vehicle is registered under the children’s name, the husband or wife must present both their ID cards and the appendices thereof to prove the familial relationship.
The National Information Center - the Licensing Authority *5678 to Tel: 1-700-704-370.

Licensing fee for handicapped person's vehicle: a reduced licensing fee will be issued for one of the vehicle registered to the handicapped person or his/her spouse after delivery of the approval to the Health Bureau, according to the aforementioned rules regarding the vehicle handicapped sticker.

 Ministry of Communications
National Information Center Bezeq: 199

A patient with a medical disability of at least 80%, who receives, at the very least, a permanent disability allowance from the National Insurance Institute, as well as the parents of a child who is entitled to a disabled child allowance of 10% - are entitled to a discount on the installation and transfer of a phone line and on the fee for fixed service or phone calls. The application forms are available at the Bezeq branches or can be ordered by phone via Bezeq’s information line at 199 or obtained from the Meuhdet social worker. They must be sent, along with the medical certificates to the Ministry of Welfare, P.O. Box 1260, Jerusalem.

 Important telephone numbers:

SHIL - Citizens Advice Bureau - Business hours: 18:00-08:00, tel.: 1-800-50-60-60, email: Shil@jerusalem.muni.il

Life's Door -  1-599-550066
Email: Info@tishkofet.co.il

Beit Natan - support groups for religious and ultra-orthodox women, support-line for women coping with cancer, telephone: 02-6446052 email: Info@beitnatan.org