High gas prices hit sick people hard

NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Fuel prices are forcing ailing Americans who need regular medical treatments to cancel or delay seeing the doctor, a medical survey indicates.

Sick people with travel problems often seek help from friends and family members, who may have the same issues with high fuel prices, and support groups, move closer to their caregiver or apply for grants to help pay for regular visits, USA Today said Thursday.

Hardest hit are people who need to see the doctor monthly or even more often, such as patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and dialysis.

The American Kidney Fund, which helps patients on dialysis, and CancerCare are among those offering transportation grants, both with booming business. Paratransit of Sacramento provides rides to seniors and those with disabilities with requests up 11 percent more than last year.