Battling mesothelioma and other forms of cancer can take a toll on more than just your body, as often treatment costs can run well into six-figure territory. While the costs can be varied and add up quickly, there are financial resources available that can help. Knowing there are safety nets available can ease your mind and reduce some of the stresses associated with a cancer diagnosis.
Expenses Related to Cancer
There are many costs associated with cancer that immediately come to mind. Typical expenses include doctor visits, hospital stays, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. In addition to that, cancers that are diagnosed late are inherently in a more advanced stage, and they can require more costly treatments and therapies. Mesothelioma, in particular, can be challenging to diagnose early and is often a cancer that is more expensive to treat. On top of the treatment bills, many cancer patients are unable to work, and the loss of a steady paycheck can compound financial stress.
Know Your Financial Resources
Because the financial impacts of cancer can be broad, it's important to know what tools you have at your disposal. First, be sure to organize your bills. It may be helpful to have a friend or family member assist you in keeping track of your expenses as they occur so that nothing falls through the cracks. Second, familiarize yourself with your health insurance policy and talk with a company representative to ensure that you are adhering to your policy's standards and making good use of your benefits. You may also qualify for government programs like Medicaid or even disability resources. Third, talk with your health care provider about your concerns over the medical costs to help them help you to make appropriate treatment decisions.
There are many other organizations that may be able to assist you during this time of need. A wide variety of nonprofits, church-based groups, and community programs offer resources to assist in handling the financial hurdles and costs of cancer. There are national service organizations, like the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition, that can offer financial aid, and the Health Well Foundation assists people who can't afford their medications.
The American Cancer Society and United Way are great at helping you locate local resources, and many faith-based groups will aid people who are not members of their congregation. If you need help with housing, there are some great resources available through the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Joe's House, and Hope Lodge.
There are several organizations that can provide assistance for travel needs, including Mercy Medical Angels, Lifeline Pilots, and the National Patient Travel Center. Finally, you can get great financial information from the American Childhood Cancer Organization, the Patient Advocate Foundation, and the Cancer Family Relief Fund.
While a cancer diagnosis can have far-reaching effects, there are financial resources readily available to help alleviate that burden. Consider asking a family member to keep you organized, reach out to your health insurance provider, and research the above organizations to get the help that you need.