Cost of Care

Cost of care

Have you ever thought about the expenses associated with cancer treatment? When my mother received her cancer diagnosis, the cost of treatment was my second concern. Prior to her diagnosis, we had already accumulated various medical copayments, ranging from $20 to $100. I recall thinking about how costly it could become and whether we would manage to cover it.

After my mother received her diagnosis, we scheduled her initial appointment with the oncologist. At the appointment, we received a packet of information which included a financial aid form. I completed the form right away, and it was approved before her treatment began. My mother didn't have to pay anything for her cancer treatments. I expressed my gratitude to God for this blessing. It was a wonderful feeling when she went to the pharmacy to pick up her prescriptions and didn't have to pay anything or when she received her chemo treatment, there was no co pay. 


Let’s talk about these costs

According to research, The co-pay for chemotherapy can differ based on the patient's insurance plan. Typically, individuals with private insurance might face co-pays between $20 and $100 per chemotherapy session. Yet, for pricier treatments or newer medications, co-pays could increase. Medicare patients may face varying costs. Medicare Part B covers outpatient chemotherapy, usually involving a 20% co-payment after the annual deductible is met. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) might have different co-payment setups, while Part D may provide coverage for oral chemotherapy medications with differing co-payment amounts depending on the plan.

Patients without insurance or with high-deductible plans may face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs, potentially reaching thousands of dollars per session. Financial assistance programs and cancer support organizations can help mitigate these costs.

For patients needing financial assistance, there are various financial services available, below are a few 

American Cancer Society (ACS):

Offers a variety of services, including transportation to treatment, lodging, and information on financial assistance.

CancerCare:

  • Provides financial assistance for transportation, home care, and child care, as well as co-pay assistance for cancer medication

Phone: 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)

Email: info@cancercare.org


Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF):

  • Offers co-pay relief programs and financial aid for transportation, housing, and nutritional needs.

Website: Patient Advocate Foundation

Phone: 1-800-532-5274

Email: help@patientadvocate.org


HealthWell Foundation:

  • Provides financial assistance to underinsured patients to cover the costs of medications, copayments, health insurance premiums, and other out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Website: HealthWell Foundation

Phone: 1-800-675-8416

Email: info@healthwellfoundation.org


NeedyMeds:

  • A comprehensive database of programs that provide financial assistance for medications and health care costs.

Call the NeedyMeds helpline at 1-800-503-6897 for assistance in finding and applying to programs.

RxAssist:

  • Offers a database of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs, state programs, discount drug cards, and copay assistance programs.

Website: RxAssist

Email: info@rxassist.org


Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA):

  • Helps patients find programs that provide free or nearly free prescription medications.

Visit the PPA website (Partnership for Prescription Assistance) or call their toll-free hotline at 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) for assistance.




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