Financial Tips for Living with Cancer
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Financial tips for living with cancer can help patients cope with the burden of treatment and other costs. Mesothelioma treatments, medications, and associated travel add up quickly, but patients can access helpful resources through advocacy groups.
The Overall Economic Impact of Cancer
To understand the personal financial burden of cancer, it helps to look at the bigger picture. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated the direct medical costs of cancer in the U.S. in 2018 at over $112 billion.[1]
More than 40% of his cost was from outpatient hospital treatments or doctor visits. About a quarter of the cost was for inpatient hospital treatment. This total only includes direct medical care.[1] There are also lost work hours, which come to billions of dollars every year, which have not been factored in.
Does Mesothelioma Cost More Than Other Cancers?
Depending on where you live and what medical care is accessible, some patients need to travel to receive care from those familiar with mesothelioma.
Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, there is an added benefit to being treated by those familiar with the disease. On the other hand, this can lead to additional costs, such as traveling to cancer centers, which your insurance does not reimburse.
Financial Stress Lowers Quality of Life
The financial burden can have a huge impact on quality of life. One study found that patients struggling financially also experienced more mental and physical health problems. These patients also experienced less satisfaction in relationships and activities than financially stable ones.
Having financial problems while struggling with cancer adds to emotional distress. This can prevent a person from receiving the best care, thus leading to decreased physical health.[2]
How to Manage Finances During Cancer Treatment
The costs associated with cancer and its treatment can be confusing; therefore, tracking expenses and keeping all records and bills organized is essential. If you don’t have the energy for it, ask a friend or family member for help.
As you begin treatment, know what you will be paying for. Many aspects of care cost money, and you may not know them all. Here is a partial list of cancer costs:[3]
- Doctor visits
- Chemotherapy or radiation sessions
- Surgery and other procedures
- Medications
- Imaging tests and scans
- Hospital stays
- Home care, including nurses and equipment
- Supplemental care, like physical therapy or counseling
- Transportation or travel if you need to go out of town or out of state for care
You should take an active part in planning for your care. Ask questions of your medical team as they develop treatment plans. If you are worried about cost, ask the price of treatment and whether your insurance will cover it.
Don’t be afraid to seek help or find alternatives if something seems overly expensive or unnecessary. Your doctors should be able to answer all your questions.
Understand How Your Insurance Works
If you have insurance coverage, it should cover many of your medical and related costs. However, it is important to understand your insurance plan, its terms, coverage, and preferred doctors or networks.
You should also know if there are requirements for approval before receiving certain treatments or procedures. Be sure to talk to your insurance company about your treatment and any concerns you have.[3]
Negotiate Medical Bills
Most people don’t realize that medical bills are not always set in stone. You can negotiate your bills with hospitals and other care providers.
They might not work with you, but it never hurts to ask. Talk to the financial director of the medical facility to ask for a lower price or to negotiate a payment plan.
Try Government Resources
If you do not have private health insurance, you may qualify for coverage under Medicaid or Medicare. These federal programs provide health insurance for people over sixty-five (Medicare) and people with low incomes (Medicaid).[4]
Another government resource is Social Security Disability Income. This resource may provide a small income if you qualify and are unable to work.[5]
Seek Financial and Other Resources to Help Save on Costs
Many organizations, including government, community, and non-profit groups, offer resources and support for cancer patients. Some help patients with any cancer. Others are dedicated to specific cancers, like mesothelioma.
Contact these groups to find out how they can help you manage your finances:
- CancerCare. This non-profit organization offers financial assistance and other resources for cancer patients and their families. When you contact the group, an oncology social worker will help you get the resources you need.[6]
- Needymeds. NeedyMeds is a non-profit organization that helps patients pay for the medications they need.[7]
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition. The CFAC is a group of nationwide organizations with a searchable database of resources to help cancer patients cover care costs.[8]
- Corporate Angel Network. If you need to travel for treatment, this group will find you empty seats on corporate and private planes for free.[9]
- Hope Lodge. Founded by the American Cancer Society, this organization has thirty-two lodges around the country open to cancer patients and their families as places to stay for free when traveling for treatment.[10]
- The Veterans Administration. If you served in the U.S. military, there is a chance your mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure during service. You can file a claim with the VA to seek medical care and compensation.[11]
- Cleaning for a Reason. Sometimes, it’s the little things that help relieve the burden of living with cancer. This organization will clean the homes of cancer patients once a month while they are in treatment.[12]
End-of-Life Financial Decisions
Mesothelioma is most often terminal. This means that patients have important financial and legal decisions to make.
Involve close and trusted family members and a lawyer to make these decisions and to draw up the necessary documents. No one wants to think about these things, but you’ll feel better once they’re settled.
Legal Resources for Mesothelioma Compensation
Legal action to seek compensation is an option for most people with mesothelioma. Almost every case of mesothelioma was caused by negligent exposure. A company, or multiple companies, can be held liable for exposing workers and others to asbestos.
If you’re not sure about your legal rights or where you encountered asbestos, talk to an experienced mesothelioma attorney. They can track down past exposure, provide expert advice, and help you file a lawsuit.
A lawsuit may result in a settlement or a jury award that can help you cover medical and other expenses. If the negligent companies went bankrupt, they likely have asbestos trust funds. A lawyer can help you file a trust claim to get financial assistance.
Cancer imposes a financial burden on most patients. Even with insurance, the stress of paying for treatments can be overwhelming. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to rely on friends and family to help. You can also contact resources for assistance.
Get Your FREE Mesothelioma PacketPage Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP
Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.