Undoubtedly, cancer takes a physical and emotional toll but cancer can have a big impact on your bank account too. Even if you have health insurance the high cost of cancer care, medications, travel expenses, and reduced work hours can be burdensome.
The first step we recommend is talking to your cancer care team for help navigating your financial concerns. In addition:
Many cancer centers have Oncology Social Workers and a big part of their role is helping with insurance and other financial aid programs to ease the cancer costs burden.
Talk to your insurance company. A case worker may be assigned to you and help you understand your coverage.
Here are some other resources that can be helpful when navigating the costs of cancer care:
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition has a website with a database that has many financial resources
CancerCare helps with co-pays, home care, transportation and other important financial needs.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has financial resources that can help people with blood cancers.
The Health Well Foundation helps people who do not have enough health insurance to cover the costs of their care. It is not specific to cancer care but is an excellent and independent non-profit organization.
Family Reach recognizes that cancer affects the whole family, including the financial impact and “financial toxicity” of cancer care.
Many patients, family, and/or friends of patients get creative and take matters into their own hands. Take @rachyrach_8 and her Beat It t-shirts. This kind of rallying raises money, supports the patient, and builds community. It is inspiring! The truth is people want to help each other out and they don’t always know the best way.
@rachyrach_8
@beatitcancer.live