Pay for Chemotherapy
Patients commonly pay for chemotherapy through private health insurance or through plans like Medicare Part B. Insurance plans don't always cover the entire cost of chemotherapy though, so it's important to find out which costs you must assume.
Instructions
Pay for Chemotherapy Through Insurance
1. Find out from your insurance company whether your proposed chemotherapy treatment regimen will be covered. You will need information from your doctor on what drugs will be used, how long they will be used, how they will be administered and whether they will be administered in a hospital or in an outpatient facility.
2. Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid. In certain instances, Medicaid can help people in financial need pay for chemotherapy. If you suspect that you may need assistance through Medicaid, contact your local government social services office soon after you are diagnosed with cancer.
3. Follow up with your insurance company. If your insurance company initially denies a claim or indicates it will not pay for your treatment, ask your doctor to provide the company with evidence that the treatment is effective for your type of cancer. If you are persistent, your insurance company may eventually agree to pay.
4. Seek safety in numbers. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States annually, and it has affected millions of people throughout the country. Groups like the American Cancer Society (see Resources below) act as advocates for cancer patients, and the organization can provide you with information on coping with the financial effects of cancer.
Utilize Other Resources
5. Investigate clinical trials. Clinical trials test the newest forms of cancer care and are occasionally free. Be aware, though, that your insurance company may not cover any costs you do incur during the clinical trial.
6. Ask your treatment provider or a social worker for referrals to resources that could help you pay for some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with chemotherapy.
7. Consider changing your lifestyle to pay for deductibles, such as cutting back on incidental expenses.
8. Ask your employer about assistance plans. You may be able to borrow money against a retirement plan, utilize extra sick days or qualify for special employee-only loans or benefits.
9. If you have financial concerns, ask your hospital or treatment provider for information on their social services. Social services can often direct you to support services or resources that provide financial aid.
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