Cancer treatment is expensive. Even people who think they have good health insurance often find themselves in financial trouble after a battle with serious illness.

Take some of the worry out of a cancer diagnosis by getting fully informed as to what the costs are, how to pay them, and what to do if an insurance claim is rejected.

Learn about cancer costs
Finances should be the last thing you have to worry about when first diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, no other issue will demand your organizational skills, time, and energy to the same extent from the beginning to the very end of your treatment. Start by learning about what costs to expect.

When planning your cancer treatment, it's important to understand that costs vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the type of cancer, what stage the cancer is at, and even where you live. Here is a list of costs typically associated with cancer:

• Diagnosis
• Hospital stay
• Tests and prescriptions
• Doctor, surgeon, nurse and other specialist fees
• Treatments, such as radiation, bone marrow transplants, etc.
• Transportation and lodging for you and your family
• Surgical procedures
• Hospice

There will be other costs as well. The best thing to do is research the treatment and care that people with your specific cancer type normally receive. Start doing this by talking to your doctor and connecting with a support group or community organization to learn more. Look for information at the local library or on the Internet.

Understanding insurance coverage
The first step in making sure you get the most out of your insurance coverage for cancer treatment is to really know and understand your policy. Ask your insurer for a copy of it and read it thoroughly. Some non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, offer help understanding the types of insurance policies available and the different coverage options.

There are many questions to ask your insurance company, but getting your questions answered is just the start. Once cancer treatment begins, rigorous organization is necessary to stay on top of the bills. Keep detailed records of all covered expenses and claims and always file claims on time.

Even in the best of health, a desk full of bills and claims can be overwhelming. If you are having trouble dealing with a mountain of paperwork, try asking friends, families, or community organizations for a little help. Some private companies offer insurance-filing services for a fee.

Paying for cancer treatment
There are many financial resources available to help pay for cancer treatment, such as health insurance, government programs, disability benefits, and special medical center and community funds.

Certain life insurance policies offer "living benefits" as well. Even if you have no medical insurance, there are still options, such as Medicaid or Medicare.

Start by talking with the hospital's financial counselor or patient accounts office to find out what arrangements can be made for payment of bills over an extended time period. If you are in a low-income bracket or unemployed, check to see if you qualify for veterans benefits or state benefits.

Financial assistance also may be available from special government funds or organizations, such as Benefits Checkup. Churches, civic, social, and fraternal groups are also sources of help. For prescriptions, try contacting the pharmaceutical company directly. Many provide help with prescription costs for people in financial need.

If you are thinking about leaving your job, find out about conversion options through your current plan. (Conversion options may allow you to switch from your employer's insurance plan to an individual plan with similar coverage.) Also, if you do leave your job, make sure you investigate your coverage options via COBRA.

Managing your insurance company
Managing the financial impact of cancer is also a matter of managing medical insurance. While the last thing anyone with cancer needs is more bureaucracy, the paperwork has to be controlled.

Protect yourself by keeping copies of all forms that you have signed, gathered signatures for, and submitted to the insurance company. Also, get receipts for postage, faxing, and anything else that proves you sent in the required forms. Don't leave any holes in your records.

If you have to re-send paperwork, always send an additional photocopy with copies of the receipts or fax report to prove that you did your job when you were supposed to have done it by.

Keep any forms, along with all of your bills and receipts, in a separate folder for each month that you are in treatment and follow-up care.

Dealing with rejected claims
If a claim is turned down, stay calm and don't worry. There are many options if you know what to do when your claim is rejected. The important thing to do is be both informed and persistant. Claims can be resubmitted, appealed, appealed again, and even ruled on by an state-funded independent jury after a second appeal rejection. There is hope.

See also

• Planning your treatment
• Choosing a doctor
• Choosing a cancer-care facility
• Feedback on doctors and facilities