The Financial Burden of Cancer: Are you willing to share your story?

I moved to a new state three years ago to be closer to family after a very serious illness (abdominal abscess). During that hospitalization in my home state, an ultrasound showed a small tumor in my right breast. I had surgery and arrangements were made for follow-up care and treatment in my new state. I went in for my first appointment at the new venue, a hospital/cancer care center in a rural area, 45-100 miles from major medical facilities. At the cancer care center, one of the first interviews I had was with the financial office. Fortunately, I have Medicare and a good supplemental plan. But, out of curiosity, I asked what would happen if I just had Medicare and could not cover the balance. I was told - very nonchalantly - that they couldn't treat me. This is an area with a high poverty rate. I left wondering about what happens to those seniors who can't afford the co-pays.

I also second Laurie's comment about keeping all papers, bills, etc. Several years ago, I had a Dexascan to check for osteoporosis. During the pre-scan billing/financial interview, I was told that the cost would be $525.00 and that I was responsible for 20%. I paid that amount before I had the scan. Several weeks later, I received a bill for $2,100 for the scan. I called the hospital and kept getting the run-around. No, it was not the radiologist who read the scan (I paid that separate bill). No, I had no other tests. Etc., etc., etc. Finally, I spoke to the supervisor of the collections department. I told her that I had a copy of the agreement that stated that I was responsible for 20% of the $525.00 cost, that I had paid that cost, and that I would be more than happy to send her copies of the form I signed and the canceled check. The moral of the story: keep your paperwork! And, although it may be difficult and frustrating, be your own advocate!

Medical costs also depend on where you live. Massachusetts, for example, has subsidized health insurance coverage for everyone. Also, there are many states that have expanded Medicaid to cover many with low income.

Is this a state Medicaid or state health insurance exchange? I bet they could help people who don’t even know about this.

The states can accept Federal money to expand Medicaid to include low income people.
In SC, where I live, the state rejected the Federal money. SC is very poor state- so many people don’t have health insurance.

Hello Colleen....thanks! recently diagnosed so i am anxious to learn more about MM. i was told that thee is no cure at the moment. I would like to hear what others have been through the process and what they did to stay motivated.
thanks

I live in NJ where Medicaid, Horizon NJ Health is paying all of my bills. I am very fortunate.

I am very happy that you are getting plenty of help. Cancer is hard enough without the bills.

Husband is on clinical trial in Rochester so we are there each week. I have a spreadsheet that I haven't updated since June with a lot of expenses -- and we have great insurance. We have been had a situation where the chemo treatment was rejected, bills that show up that are in error for thousands of dollars, and mountains and mountains of paperwork and expenses. Plus staying employed is a challenge to pay for it. I'm still working but my husband had to retire. The stress of stage 4 cancer is one thing but adding to it with a significant financial burden and working with not so friendly insurance companies makes it unbearable. Glad you are doing this study.

@kasmpeterman I see you have been a member for a while, but this is your first posting to Mayo Clinic Connect. So, welcome! Thank you for telling us about your journey, which probably has so many nodding their head, too, in agreement. The toll it takes in so many forms can be rough on everyone, patient and family members alike.

I am interested to know more about the clinical trial your husband is participating in, if you care to share anything? Where is he at in that clinical trial?
Ginger

He started it in July for stage 4 esophageal cancer using keytruda and Ram/Taxol. We drive down every week for treatments..4.5 hr drive..