Written By: Devin Golden
Mesothelioma Resources
Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive and overwhelming, but there are many financial options available to help patients get the care they deserve. Here is an overview of some free resources that can assist patients and their families through the treatment, legal and support process with mesothelioma cancer.
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Ritter, RN BSN
Registered Nurse
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Ritter, RN BSN
Registered Nurse
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What Resources Are Available For You?
Mesothelioma patients face numerous obstacles that can make life stressful on a regular basis. Facing the reality of a diagnosis or facing the gravity of treatments and a prognosis can take a toll on a patient and their family. There are many support options available to ease the stress that comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Patients should take advantage of the available options for financial flexibility and support in fighting mesothelioma.
Here are the four main resources available for mesothelioma patients and their families:
- Legal compensation – Mesothelioma victims can receive compensation to pay for treatments, travel, and other unexpected expenses.
- Veterans support – Those who have served in the US military and have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos on the job are entitled to special assistance. Our free Veterans Support Guide provides detailed information on getting the help you deserve.
- Insurance – Medical insurance coverage is available to mesothelioma patients through various options, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
- Support Organizations – A number of private and non-profit organizations can offer a variety of support and assistance to patients and families. These organizations offer various resources, like mesothelioma support groups and travel assistance programs.
Legal Compensation
Mesothelioma treatments can be very expensive. By filing a mesothelioma legal claim, you can protect your family from unexpected financial struggles and overwhelming expenses. You can also help to provide your family with stability through the different legal options available to mesothelioma patients.
The best law firms represent patients on a contingency basis, which means you are not required to pay anything unless you win your case. If the court rules in your favor, then you, your family and your legal team will be awarded compensation. You and your family will receive the majority of the compensation, while your legal team receives a percentage to compensate them for their legal counsel. Not every law firm is equipped to handle the unique nature of mesothelioma cases.
Mesothelioma Trust Funds
There are over $30 billion dollars in trust funds available to those who were exposed to asbestos. Because the latency period between exposure and the development of mesothelioma is so long, many companies responsible for producing asbestos products have declared bankruptcy.
As a result, the U.S. government has required these companies to set up trust funds for victims of mesothelioma. These trust funds are available to patients harmed by asbestos products.
Emotional Support
The attitude and mindset of a patient and their family may be one of the most important factors in the treatment and recovery process. The late Dr. David Sugarbaker stated, “Sharing a difficult time is often much easier than going it alone.”
There are multiple ways in which patients and their loved ones can receive a listening ear or support as they battle cancer. These include support groups and hospice care.
Support Groups
Support groups are a great way for patients and caregivers to connect with people who are dealing with the same mesothelioma issues. They help patients realize they are not alone and give them the opportunity to learn from other patients who have been through similar treatments. These support groups are available online, in person and over the phone.
Mesothelioma Guide has a page dedicated to support groups for patients. If you are a patient, caregiver or loved one, look for a support group that fits your schedule.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are offered at many hospitals and support organizations to mesothelioma patients. Some hospitals even have support groups specifically for mesothelioma patients. Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an example of this. Others offer support groups to veterans with cancer. A professional counselor is offered as a trained listener and an expert at helping people cope with difficult situations.
Read about Massachusetts General Hospital’s attempt to help mesothelioma patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is an important support option for mesothelioma patients. Hospice is much more than just end-of-life care. Hospice programs provide patients and families with 24-hour nursing care, supportive services, medications, in-home medical equipment and emotional support – including chaplain services. Hospice care usually begins when patients are no longer receiving life preserving treatments, like chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma Guide has a page dedicated to information about hospice care. Read more for guidance.
Veterans Affairs (VA Claims)
Approximately 30% of all mesothelioma patients are veterans due to prolonged asbestos exposure while in the military. The most asbestos-exposed group of people in the USA are veterans. Between the years of 1930 and 1980, millions of service members were exposed.
There are numerous benefits available for United States military veterans. A local VA clinic can provide patients and their families with assistance in receiving the best healthcare available.
The VA understands that mesothelioma is often a result of military service conditions and provides healthcare and disability compensation for those who can prove their condition is service-related.
Our VA accredited claims agent, Carl Jewett, is a retired Navy veteran. He spent his 24-year career as a Lieutenant Commander on a submarine. He is very experienced in the VA filing process and successful in getting patients approved for benefits. Get free help filing a claim with the VA today.
Insurance and Support
Sometimes, it can take a while to receive compensation or benefits from mesothelioma-specific support programs. However, general assistance is more readily available for most people with serious health issues.
Private health insurance is one option with the ability to take a significant amount of financial weight off of a patient’s shoulders. However, some private healthcare plans have many doctor-choice restrictions, limiting the kind of treatments they cover.
HMO and PPO plans require the beneficiary to choose a doctor from a contracted list of physicians. This can limit patients from receiving treatment from the specialist of their choice. Patients should check with their healthcare provider to determine what kind of care is covered under their plan.
Government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are also available for certain individuals, with the option for expedited benefits in some cases. These programs provide assistance to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes. More information about these programs is available at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Clinical trials are also a key component of mesothelioma treatment, and many insurance providers offer coverage. Visit the clinical trials website at clinicaltrials.gov for details and more information. This page will show you the clinical trials currently recruiting patients, where the trials are being offered and information about previously conducted trials.
Support Organizations
Many organizations offer information, resources and assistance to patients and families facing a diagnosis of mesothelioma. They may be able to help you and your family cover copayment expenses or cover the costs of travel to see a specialist or receive treatment.
These organizations are dedicated to helping patients and families through providing services, helping with medical costs, and supporting other agencies who are working hard to find new and advanced treatments options:
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
American Society of Clinical Oncology
https://www.asco.org/
Cancer Support Community
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy
www.acgtfoundation.org/
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc.
www.curemeso.org
CanCare
www.cancare.org
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
www.cancerfac.org
Pacific Meso Center
www.pacificmesocenter.org
Cancer Research Institute
www.cancerresearch.org
Cancer and Careers cancerandcareers@cew.org
www.cancerandcareers.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Resources
What resources are available to mesothelioma patients and their families?
There are many resources available to mesothelioma patients and their families, including legal compensation, veteran support, insurance, and unlimited support organizations, from in person to virtual groups.
How do I know if I am eligible for mesothelioma resources?
If you or someone you know have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are most likely eligible to take advantage of available resources — especially support group organizations. Anyone that has to endure the burden of a mesothelioma diagnosis needs to be involved in a support community.
How can I access mesothelioma resources?
Contact one of our patient advocates or experienced mesothelioma attorneys. Our team at Mesothelioma Guide is highly knowledgeable on mesothelioma and can connect you with the proper resources and supportive groups fit for you.
Sources & Author
AI Summary of Mesothelioma Resources
Facing a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenging experience for patients and their families, often accompanied by concerns about treatment costs, emotional well-being, and navigating available support systems. Fortunately, there are numerous resources designed to provide assistance, guidance, and relief throughout this difficult journey. These include legal options to help cover medical and related expenses, specialized support for military veterans, insurance benefits, and community organizations dedicated to patient care. Each resource aims to make the process more manageable and to assure patients that they are not alone in their fight against this disease.
One of the primary concerns for mesothelioma patients is the financial burden of treatment. Legal compensation through filing claims or accessing trust funds can help cover costs related to medical care, travel, and other unexpected expenses. Many law firms handle mesothelioma cases on a contingency basis, meaning patients owe nothing unless they receive compensation. Additionally, over $30 billion in trust funds have been established by companies responsible for asbestos exposure, providing quick access to funds for eligible patients. These resources can offer not only financial relief but also peace of mind during a stressful time.
Support extends beyond financial help, as emotional well-being plays a vital role in treatment and recovery. Patients and families are encouraged to join support groups, which connect individuals dealing with similar challenges. These groups, available online, in person, or via phone, provide understanding, shared experiences, and coping strategies. Counseling services at hospitals and support organizations can offer professional guidance, helping individuals navigate their emotions and adjust to the diagnosis. Hospice care is also an important option for those nearing the end of life, offering comprehensive comfort, medical support, and emotional assistance to patients and their loved ones.
For veterans who served in the U.S. military, additional support is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans exposed to asbestos during service may be eligible for healthcare, disability benefits, and specialized assistance. Accessing these benefits can sometimes be complex, but dedicated VA benefits experts and resources are available to help guide veterans through the process. Furthermore, many organizations provide information and assistance to all patients, regardless of background, helping with medical costs, travel arrangements, and connecting patients with trusted treatment centers. Overall, these extensive resources are designed to support every aspect of living with mesothelioma, emphasizing that help and hope are available at every step of the way.