Cancer treatment can be very costly and create economic hardship for patients and loved ones alike. Personal health insurance can cover some cancer treatment-related expenses, but may require that others be paid for out-of-pocket. Some cancer patients have no medical coverage at all. In either case, you may need help paying for these medical expenses. Fortunately, there are public, private and nonprofit institutions that may provide financial assistance for your cancer treatment.
Personal Health Insurance
Your personal health care insurance provider is the first place you should look for financial assistance. Your insurance should pay for most, if not all, of your cancer treatment expenses. Read the terms and specifics of your coverage plan to get a clear understanding of how much cancer treatment it pays for. Do not hesitate to appeal the denial of any coverage that your personal health insurance provider is supposed to pay for.
Government Assistance
The federal government has many programs that provide financial assistance for cancer treatment costs. These programs include Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits for qualifying cancer patients. Visit the National Cancer Institute's link in the Resources section below to browse a list of federal government programs that either provide or help identify sources of financial assistance for cancer patients.
Both your state and local governments may have programs in place to help you pay for cancer treatment as well. Such programs vary by location, but can be identified by consulting a case manager and volunteer and nonprofit organizations, or by perusing your state and local governments' official websites.
Public and Nonprofit Hospitals
Visit a public hospital if you think you may not be able to afford cancer care. Government-operated hospitals will provide cancer care even if you cannot afford to pay much for it. Depending on your income and assets, you may receive free or low-cost cancer care from such an institution. Nonprofit hospitals and health care facilities may assist you this way as well. Contact a case manager or social worker to find out what kind of financial assistance programs your local public and nonprofit hospitals provide.
Financial Assistance Tips
Consult a case manager or financial assistance planner from your health insurance provider or cancer care facility. Case management departments specialize in helping cancer patients determine the best financial assistance options for their financial care.
Make sure fundraising efforts do not change or otherwise affect your eligibility for programs of interest such as government financial assistance for your cancer care. Be mindful of taxation laws and procedures if fundraising for your cancer treatment becomes necessary.
Tags: cancer care, cancer patients, cancer treatment, financial assistance, your cancer, case manager, financial assistance
