National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How to Pay for Treatments and Products
You’ve Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, What Does This Mean Financially?
Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), we are detailing how to pay for treatments and products.
In addition to treatments, cancer may cause additional expenses such as lost wages, childcare and household help, and transportation. You’ll need to add these items to your budget as you map out your treatment plans.
How to Pay for Treatment With Insurance
I recommend thoroughly reading your health insurance policy and contacting your insurance company directly to ask any questions you may have. Creating a binder with all needed treatments and an explanation of benefits (EOB) document is also helpful to stay organized and track your coverage. I also recommend working with the financial counselors provided by either your medical center or insurance company. Financial counselors can help you process insurance paperwork and set up a payment plan if you owe any out-of-pocket costs.
Some things to keep in mind when using insurance to pay for your treatments are to ensure your doctors are in your insurance network and to determine whether you must meet a health insurance deductible before treatments are covered.
An educated patient typically experiences less financial stress, according to information from the Cancer Center at Holy Name Medical Center. A clear understanding of your coverage is most important when dealing with health insurance providers.
How to Pay for Treatment Without Insurance
If you do not have insurance, you do not have to go without treatment. The following tips can help cover expenses:
Nonprofit and Government Financial Assistance Programs
The Young Survival Coalition lists the following programs and organizations that help support cancer patients.
American Cancer Society (ACS) provides information and referrals to numerous education, community and patient support services, including financial assistance and transportation programs.
CancerCare provides limited financial assistance for homecare, childcare and transportation.
CancerCare’s Linking A.R.M.S. program provides limited financial assistance for hormonal therapy, oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, lymphedema supplies and durable medical equipment.
Catherine H. Tuck Foundation provides financial assistance covering household expenses for eligible breast cancer patients.
The Healthwell Foundation provides financial assistance to those with chronic or life-threatening diseases. Eligible individuals can receive help with copayments for prescription drugs, coinsurance, deductibles and other selected out-of-pocket costs.
Hope for Young Adults with Cancer helps young adults in active treatment and in remission for up to five years to pay for daily living expenses.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps eligible patients obtain needed medications either free of charge or close to it. Being uninsured or underinsured is part of qualifying.
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief provides direct financial assistance for prescription drug copayments to eligible patients.
The Pink Fund provides short-term financial aid for basic living expenses to eligible breast cancer patients.
RXAssist provides information about free and low-cost medicine programs and other ways to manage medical costs.
Stupid Cancer maintains a list of financial resources, including educational financial aid for survivors and children of survivors.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a U.S. federal income supplement program designed to help disabled individuals with little or no income. Eligibility is decided on a case-by-case basis. If you are eligible for SSI, other benefits (e.g., food stamps) may be available.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a U.S. federal loss of income protection program. SSDI defines “disability” as a condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. If awarded, payments begin sixth months from the date of determination.
Compassionate Allowance expedites the SSDI claim process. Certain disabling conditions, including metastatic breast cancer, receive a decision within three weeks. Funds are distributed in the same manner as regular SSDI (six months from the date of determination).
15. United Way’s 2-1-1 Program has many services to help those in need, and you can call a service professional directly at 2-1-1 across the country.
16. Susan G. Komen is also a great resource for financial information and answering any questions you may have. Check out this link: https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/FinancialResources.html
Payment Plan
Ask your medical team to set up a payment plan. This will help you keep up with payments and reduce the stress of bills piling up.
Cheaper Medication
Always ask if a generic version of a medication is available. If so, the generic brand is usually cheaper. Also, ask your doctor for samples of medications to reduce the amount you must pay.
Scheduling
Try to bundle appointments into one visit to avoid additional office visit fees.
Tax Deductions
Don’t forget to claim tax deductions associated with your medical expenses by itemizing your deductions. These deductions can help you recoup some of your out-of-pocket expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Examples of tax-deductible medical expenses include:
Preventive care
Treatments and surgeries
Visits to psychologists and psychiatrists
Prescription medications
Travel costs related to medical care, such as mileage, bus fare and parking fees
Other Products and Services Covered by Insurance
A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast used after a woman has had her breast surgically removed or altered. It is the fastest and easiest way to simulate the natural breast. The prosthesis also creates balance, which helps with appearance but also prevents other muscle-skeletal problems from developing, according to the Cancer Care Alliance. Other benefits of the prosthesis include warmth, protecting your chest and scars, balancing posture and preventing your bra from shifting or rising.
A mastectomy bra is a special bra that holds the breast prosthesis. Beautiful mastectomy bras are now available and can be fitted at the same time as the breast prosthesis.
Cherry Blossom Intimates is a wonderful African American female-owned boutique in the Washington D.C. area that specializes in mastectomy bras, prosthesis, breast forms, and pre- and post-surgical supplies. The business was founded by Jasmine Jones, a former Miss District of Columbia and Mass Black District of Columbia USA, and Dr. Regina Hampton, medical director and founder of the Breast Center at Doctors Community Hospital in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Cherry Blossom Intimates offers in-store bra fittings and custom breast prosthesis creation. You can also shop their collection online.
Visit their site https://www.cherryblossomintimates.com/ for more information.
Medical bills are the last thing you want to worry about during your journey toward healing from breast cancer. Using the resources and tips above can help lighten the financial burden so that you can focus on healing.