To obtain all the benefits you're entitled to, it's important to understand how your health insurance policy works. If you have health insurance, it should cover many of the costs of cancer care. A social worker or financial counselor may be able to help you find out what assistance you may qualify for and apply for it. It will take effort to piece together what is available. Help with the costs of cancer care can come from many sources. If you can't pay your utility bills, your community may have a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that can help. Many community-based organizations offer assistance with housing and transportation and help applying for benefits to people with disabilities. Make use of resources in your family, among your friends, and in your community.įamily members and friends may be able to lend you money or help you find sources of financial help in your community.If you change jobs, another federal law called HIPAA may protect you from being denied health insurance coverage. If you leave your job or are laid off, a federal law called COBRA may allow you to keep your health insurance coverage for up to three years. For example, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (a federal law), you may be entitled to unpaid leave from your job to care for a loved one with cancer. A social worker can help you understand and apply for benefits you qualify for. You may have a legal right to certain benefits. Understand your benefits and rights under the law.Do you have money saved for an emergency? Do you have assets (a home, other property, a retirement plan, life insurance) that you can use to obtain cash? Think about how your household could either earn more income or cut back on spending. You may be able to obtain a disability waiver for your mortgage, car loan, or other debts. Contact your utility company and mortgage company and ask about setting up a payment plan. Get a handle on your income and expenses.įigure out how much money is coming in to your household, how much you spend, and what you spend it on.You may also wish to talk to a financial advisor about the pros and cons of putting your assets into a trust to shield them from creditors. It's up to you to decide which bills to pay and in what order. You have a right not to be harassed by creditors. A nonprofit credit counseling service may be able to help you work with your creditors. You can nearly always negotiate with creditors. If you're having trouble paying your bills, it's best to face up to the problem now rather than let the bills pile up. Let your creditors know about your financial situation.Many providers will work with patients to set up a monthly payment plan. A social worker or financial counselor may be able to help you understand your insurance coverage and help you find further assistance, including financial aid if you are eligible. Most providers of cancer care understand that patients have concerns about the costs of care. Talk with your health care team about your financial situation as soon as possible.But taking control of your finances from the start may be the best way to prevent a crisis later on. When you or a loved one has received a cancer diagnosis, money may be the last thing you want to think about.
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