Cancer treatment expenses are wide-ranging, whether it’s paying for visits to the clinic, spending time in the hospital, medication, tests, procedures, surgeries, or home health services. Insurance or public health care programs will often cover some or most of these costs. However, numerous indirect expenses can quickly add up in only a short amount of time. For example, cancer treatment cost can increase if it needs to be extended or if complications develop. Working with a cancer caregiver support system can help you navigate these expenses.
Here is an overview of various programs available for finding help with finances when you have cancer:
Short-Term Housing for Treatment
Many times a cancer treatment program is far away from home. Constantly driving back and forth to receive treatment is expensive while also requiring a lot of time. Fortunately, you can often use short-term housing centers that give you a place to stay during treatment. A cancer assistance program can help you find these short-term housing options, and you may be able to stay at a low cost or even free.
Cancer Caregiver Support Expenses
The cost of a live-in caregiver can become expensive if you don’t have any assistance. Some states provide cancer caregiver support services that directly pay the caregivers. Reaching out to your local health department or Medicaid office can help you determine if you qualify for cancer caregiver support.
Assistance for Housing or Mortgage Payments
Cancer treatment costs can often make it difficult for families to pay rent or their mortgage on time. Sometimes you can make a special arrangement with your landlord or creditor by discussing your situation. Your social worker may also help you find additional resources for managing cancer expenses while also getting you enough money to make your rent or mortgage payment.
Help With Food Expenses
Paying for food can be a challenge due to cancer treatment expenses. Different government programs are available to provide food assistance for low-income people or families. You can check out the various programs available at the US Department of Agriculture, as you may qualify for several types of assistance. Contacting the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 is another option to learn about receiving help with food costs. Meals on Wheels are also available in different locations for the homebound, disabled, or elderly.
Selling Your Life Insurance Policy
Choosing to sell your life settlement is another option for helping to pay for cancer expenses. Selling your life insurance policy also gives you the flexibility to pay for the cost of a live-in caregiver. Typically, these plans make it possible for you to sell your life insurance policy at its present value if you are a woman over 74 years of age or if you are a man that’s 70 years or older. The main thing to remember about selling a life settlement is that there may not be a death benefit for your heirs, and the proceeds of the sale may be taxed.
Access to Internet
Using the internet is a great way to learn more about the cost of a live-in caregiver or a cancer assistance program. However, not everyone can access the internet. Visiting your public library is a great way to access the internet without costing you any extra money. Staff members may also be able to help you answer various questions, such as which sites to use to learn more about a cancer services program in your area. Contacting the American Cancer Society on their website or phone can also help you learn more about cancer programs and provide guidance on managing cancer expenses.
Help With Other Costs
Cancer expenses can rapidly add up and make it difficult for you to pay for essential items. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANFS) is a popular option for assisting low-income families. This program offers monthly cash by helping pay for food, housing, clothing, transportation, utilities, phone, and any medical supplies that Medicaid doesn’t cover. A social worker can help you determine if you are eligible for this program, or you can reach out to your local health department for more information.
Closing Thoughts
Looking at ways to pay for cancer treatment costs is a reality for many people. Finding cancer caregiver support and other options are just a few of the many necessities for cancer patients. Doing some additional research about a cancer assistance program is well worth the time and effort. Selling your life insurance policy and learning about the value of a life settlement is also helpful in paying for cancer expenses. A variety of cancer programs for providing financial assistance is also available in giving you much-needed help during such trying times.