Cancer Treatment: How to Pay for It

Finding out you have cancer is overwhelming. Understanding your treatment options can be, too. There are a lot of things to consider. One issue that may cause anxiety is cost.

Even with insurance, treatment can be expensive. Thankfully, there are resources that can help.

Know your treatment plan

Talk with your healthcare provider about your treatment plan. Take notes. Feel free to bring a loved one with you. They can help you remember all the details.

If you have insurance coverage, call and give them the information about your treatment. Review your policy to understand what’s covered. Ask about your copayments and deductibles. Also see if there are any caps on coverage amounts.

In some cases, you may need pre-approval or pre-authorization from your insurance company for some services or they won’t be covered. These may include procedures, treatments, and medicines. Find out if that applies to you and get approval if needed. Your cancer care team can help you with the approval. You may be able to negotiate with your insurance company about some expenses.

Get support from patient services

Seek out your healthcare provider's office staff or the hospital’s social worker, nurse navigator, case manager, patient advocate, or similar staff member. They can help with these coverage conversations and point you to more resources. There may be hospital programs that help with the cost of transportation, meals, housing, or other needs. You should also be able to work out a payment plan.

Keep track of costs and bills

Get a clear idea of the costs upfront. It might not be possible to know everything that will come up. But once you have an idea, you can evaluate your financial situation. Speak with a financial adviser if needed.

Once you start treatment, review your bills carefully. If there are any charges that you don’t understand, bring it up right away with the treatment center.

Speak with your provider about getting generic medicines when possible. They tend to be cheaper and just as effective. If you have insurance, your provider may have options to offer certain medicines at a lower cost.

Consider these resources

Different resources may help you with the financial side of your treatment and recovery. Here are a few:

Government assistance programs

  • Medicaid or Medicare can provide financial assistance and health benefits for cancer treatment. Medicaid is for people with lower incomes. Medicare is for people ages 65 and older or who have certain disabilities. Look up what you need to qualify. Other countries have similar programs if you live outside the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations

  • Many nonprofit organizations offer financial help to people with cancer. This can include treatment as well as transportation, housing, meals, and other expenses. Research these organizations. Or speak with a social worker to find out if you are eligible.
  • National service organizations
  • Local service organizations
    • Your local Department of Social Services has programs to assist with food, shelter, and other general services.
    • Local community centers or religious groups may help as well. You often don’t have to be a member.

Medicine discounts

  • Some pharmaceutical companies and other organizations give coupons or discounts on medicines. Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider for suggestions.

Charities or crowdfunding

  • Consider fundraising or working with a local charity. Crowdfunding allows anyone on the internet to donate to a cause. Sharing links on social media or through email can help raise money for treatment.

With a little bit of research, you can find many organizations that can help you during this time.