PERSONALIZED CANCER TREATMENT
|
Personalized Cancer Treatment
Financial Concerns and Testing
 While advances in technology and clinical research have improved treatment and outcomes for people with cancer, the cost of cancer care has risen and is a financial burden on the health care system and on people with the disease. Health insurance helps with a portion of the costs, but out-of-pocket expenses for a person can be high. Costs for testing for the presence of biomarkers vary with the specific biomarker tested, and whether insurance covers the cost depends on your particular insurance.
It is important to talk openly with your health care team to understand what costs to expect and to help you manage the financial impact of testing and treatment. Sometimes people are reluctant to discuss financial matters with their doctor. They may worry that they will receive inferior care if costs are an issue or feel embarrassed to talk about costs. But discussing financial concerns with your doctor can improve communication and aid your participation in the decision-making process. Although some tests are expensive, refusing testing that is important for your care can affect the results of treatment. Your doctor may not have all the answers to your financial questions, but an oncology social worker, case manager, patient services representative, and other support staff can help with your concerns and refer you to sources of financial assistance. The human resources department at your place of work, your insurance company, and Medicare or Medicaid is also important resources for information.
Many organizations offer financial assistance to people affected by cancer. In addition to the organizations and groups listed on pages 22-24, your local cancer organization and United Way can suggest other sources of financial assistance.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor and Patient Services Representative
-
Who handles financial concerns and questions about insurance?
-
Will I be billed separately for laboratory testing?
-
Will my insurance cover the cost of my tests?
-
What are the expenses I will have if I join a clinical trial?
-
How do the costs of a clinical trial compare with the costs of standard treatment?
-
Can I be reimbursed for any of the costs of a clinical trial?
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
-
Will my specific test be covered by my insurance?
-
Will I need preapproval before the test is done?
-
Is there a limit on how much my insurance will cover?
-
Are the costs of a second opinion covered by my insurance?
-
If I participate in a clinical trial will the expenses be covered by my insurance?
Additional Sources of Information
For additional resources that may assist you with your cancer journery, click here.
For organizations that offer financial assistance to people affected by cancer, or that have links to organizations that may provide such help, click here.
|