Introduction
When you have cancer, coping with the costs and financial issues related to treatment can be very stressful. Understanding the cost of cancer treatment, figuring out how much your insurance will cover, and determining the best kind of treatment are key steps in the initial stages after your diagnosis. Taking the right steps early on may keep you from having financial problems in the future. Many resources are available to help you deal with financial concerns and better manage the costs of your treatment.
What steps can I take to deal with financial stress after being diagnosed with cancer?
Make informed treatment decisions
Talk to your family about your cancer. Ask them to help you with decisions about treatment and finances.
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Ask this person to take notes and keep track of your questions. Having someone sit in on these discussions will help make sure that the information you are getting is clear and accurate.
Find out about the effectiveness of various treatments by talking with your health care provider and asking for published findings.
Ask several treatment facilities to give you an estimate of how much your treatment will cost. Treatment costs can vary widely among facilities.
Ask your health care provider to factor in cost when coming up with your treatment plan.
Complete your advance directives. These are legal documents that allow you to make choices about your medical treatment that will be used if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It is a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends, and health care providers.
Find out about insurance coverage
Ask your insurance company what kinds of treatment and care options are covered each step of the way.
Ask for estimates of how much your insurance provider will pay.
Talk with your insurance provider about what treatments are not covered by your