For individuals with poor health insurance or none at all, the cost of treating cancer--which can run deep into the hundreds of thousands of dollars--can seem impossible. The costs run even deeper when an employed individual is forced to quit working because of their ailment. When money seems like an insurmountable obstacle, there are paths you can take to try and make cancer treatment a financial reality.
Instructions
1. Contact your health insurance provider and find out what your policy covers. If you have health insurance, you can probably defray most of the costs of your cancer treatment. But you will have to prove that the cancer was not a condition existing prior to your receiving insurance. You will also need to find out what the deductibles are.
2. Start a fundraiser, such as a charity 5K run, walk for cancer, etc. You may be able to enlist the help of a local cancer charity in publicizing the event. Raise money through participation fees, T-shirt sales, raffles, and general donation. Emphasize that the event proceeds go to charity, and get help from your friends in involving the community.
3. Submit your story to local newspapers or television stations. Through publicity you can raise awareness of your circumstance, possibly reaching individuals willing to help you out with your situation. Sometimes news outlets even run their own charity campaigns to benefit individuals.
4. Contact the American Cancer Society. They handle donations and disperse the money received to benefit the ongoing fight against cancer. If your circumstance is dire, you may be eligible to receive assistance.
Tags: health insurance, cancer treatment, find what, your circumstance