Having medical insurance is a good thing, right? An article recently published by Oncology Nurse Advisor has revealed that insured cancer patients may experience financial distress.
Sometimes insurance isn’t enough to cover a person’s medical procedures, especially for mesothelioma patients. The cost of treatment is very expensive and sometimes unexpected finances can throw a patient a curveball.
Financial Distress Study
According to the study, insurance doesn’t help with lessening the burden on many cancer patients. By conducting a survey, researchers collected responses from 300 patients. These individuals were receiving therapy at 3 rural oncology clinics.
The information that was collected from each patient was their
- Diagnosis
- Socioeconomic status
- Finances
- Treatment
Some of the factors that were associated with this financial burden were
- Household income
- Quality of life
- Age
- Employment/Unemployment
It also noted that the higher a patient’s financial burden was, the more they experienced higher or overwhelming stress from their finances. When it comes to combating any type of cancer, an individual’s finances should be the last thing on their mind. Patients should be more focused on their health and recovery.
Rising Treatment Costs
Sometimes even the best insurance plan may not cover all of the costs that are associated with mesothelioma treatment. Unfortunately, this means that a patient may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.
It is important that patients keep up with all of their medical expenses. In some circumstances, an individual may be reimbursed by their insurance company.
To learn more about rising cancer costs and this article published by Mayo Clinic, check out this video.
8 weeks of chemotherapy treatment can cost a patient anywhere from $100 to $30,000.
3 Options That Can Help Pay for Mesothelioma Treatment
Many patients may delay or skip their treatment. In fact, 20-30% of mesothelioma patients do not receive any type of treatment. There are resources that can help with the burden of unexpected medical expenses.
- 1
Clinical Trials
Since mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, researchers are constantly looking for new ways to treat it. In some circumstances, a patient may be able to participate in clinical trials that pioneer new treatment methods.
Since clinical trials are considered experimental, qualified patients typically get to participate in them for free. Unfortunately, some medical expenses may still occur for a patient, such as doctor visits outside of the trial.
Have you considered participating in a clinical trial? Let us help you get connected to the right trial.
- 2
Asbestos Trust Funds
Bankrupt companies have trust funds set up that compensate victims of asbestos exposure. There are over $30 billion that is available to patients and their families.
To have a peace of mind, a patient should consider hiring an experienced asbestos attorney. A mesothelioma lawyer can make the process of filing a claim stress-free. They can also guarantee that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Have you been struggling with finances due to your treatment expenses? Let us help you get connected to a qualified lawyer now.
- 3
Charitable Organizations
There are many resources that can help a mesothelioma patient while they are receiving treatment. Not only can these support systems help an individual financially, but they can help emotionally.
There are resources that can help a patient with traveling and lodging. For instance, some organizations help by providing free flights. To help with hospital stays patients and their families can also get discounted housing or reduced hotel rates nearby.
It is important that patients and their families know that they are not alone. There are many patient support options that are available to assist them through this difficult milestone in their lives.
Do you have any tips or advice about paying for mesothelioma treatment?
Please share them with us in a comment below.
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Show Sources & Author
- Managing the Costs of Your Cancer Treatment. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-treatment/understanding-financial-and-legal-matters/the-cost-of-cancer-treatment.html. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
- The Average Cost for Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment. Livestrong.com. Retrieved from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/153376-the-average-cost-for-cancer-chemotherapy-treatment/. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
- What Does Cancer Cost the Patient and the Family: A Cost of Care Analysis. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/OmWn-besIWU. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
- Oncologists Reveal Reasons for High Cost of Cancer Drugs in the U.S., Recommend Solutions. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/G0Ah9Ef1ZM4. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
- As Drug Costs Soar, People Delay Or Skip Cancer Treatments. National Public Radio, Inc. Retrieved from: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/15/520110742/as-drug-costs-soar-people-delay-or-skip-cancer-treatment. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
- Insured Patients With Cancer May Experience Financial Distress. Oncology Nurse Advisor. Retrieved from: Oncology Nurse Advisor Volume 8, Number 5. Accessed: 11/27/2017.
